A wave of heartfelt tributes have emerged as Australia’s culinary community grapples with the death of beloved Melbourne chef, Greg Malouf at 64 years old. Malouf was born in Melbourne to Lebanese parents and was renowned for creating a space for Middle Eastern cuisine in Australia, as well as his popular appearances on MasterChef Australia and his award-winning cookbooks. Malouf, dubbed Australia's godfather of Middle Eastern cuisine, at one point, lived in Dubai where he worked as a restaurant consultant.
The 64-year-old Michelin Star chef owned a spice range called "Malouf's Mezza" and authored several cookbooks. In 2019 his book 'Suqar Desserts and Sweets From The Modern Middle East' won the James Beard Award for Baking and Desserts. He also received several 'One Chef's Hat' accolades in The Age's Good Food Guide Chef's Hat Awards.
Former MasterChef Judge George Calombaris posted a heartfelt tribute to the chef on Instagram. "Along with so many today is a sad day for us all. We lost a giant of a human @gregmaloufchef," Calombaris wrote.
"A beautiful man. Yes an amazing chef. I send love to his family and strength.
"I will miss the banter of all things Greek v Lebanese food. RIP great man. See you on the other side.
Gc xxx" Italian restaurateur Matteo Pignatelli told The Age he was processing the tragic news of Malouf's death, who was his friend and former colleague. He told the outlet Malouf brought Middle Eastern cuisine to the forefront of modern fine dining in Australia and the world. “The string of young chefs who Greg mentored is his legacy,” he said.
“He was so proud of them all. “I’m going to miss our bromance.".
