'Master of Middle Eastern Food' Greg Malouf dies aged 65

Chef and author Greg Malouf has died aged 65 at his home in Dubai.

Hardie Grant announced the news on behalf of his family. The publisher said: “Despite lifelong health challenges and two heart transplants, Greg Malouf continued to break boundaries in the culinary world with unyielding passion.

“He always expressed his deep gratitude for these gifts, which allowed him to pursue a rich and rewarding life and to become one of the world’s most highly regarded chefs—’The Master of Middle Eastern Food’.”

The chef was known globally for his modern interpretations of the foods of Lebanon, Iran, Turkey, North Africa and the broader Middle East.

Hardie Grant said: “Awarded a Michelin star while at Petersham Nurseries in London and winning a coveted James Beard award for his most recent book, Suqar [Hardie Grant], are just two of the many accolades he gained throughout his career.

“Born in Melbourne, Greg built his reputation at two restaurants: O’Connell’s in South Melbourne and later at MoMo in the heart of the city, where he was awarded ‘two hats’ at Australia’s prestigious Good Food awards. Greg was an inspired and passionate teacher of generations of aspiring cooks, many of whom are leading chefs today.”

In each of the eight books written with Lucy Malouf (his ex-wife and co-author) and published by Hardie Grant Books, his “creativity, inventiveness and mastery of his craft shine through”, the publisher said. “This, together with his wholehearted dedication to the development and production of each book, contributed to their successes; many being award-winners and published in multiple foreign-language editions as well as being notable bestsellers in English-language markets.”

Most recently, the co-authors were working on a book focusing on the food of the North African Maghreb. Having conducted several research trips to Tunisia and Morocco over the past year, “Greg was enthusiastically preparing to visit Algeria for further inspiration”, Hardie Grant said. The book was due for publication in late 2026.

The publisher added: “While Greg’s culinary influence touched many thousands of people around the world–through the dishes he cooked at his restaurants, his mentorship of countless aspiring chefs and through the recipes in his books–those who knew him personally will remember his warmth, kindness, generosity and enduring humility, and his loyalty and love for family and friends”.

The 65-year-old died while at his home in Dubai last week, though the exact date and cause of death have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Funeral plans will be announced in due course.