Chef Olena Bahlai

Chef At Home in Trondheim

My name is Olena Baglai, a Ukrainian-born chef and hospitality enthusiast now based in Trondheim, Norway. I have professional experience working in restaurants, cafés, and bars, where I learned to combine precision, creativity, and teamwork to deliver memorable dining experiences.

My culinary journey began in Dnipro, where I worked as a barista, bartender assistant, and later as a chef specializing in sushi and pizza. I love exploring flavors from around the world and creating new recipes that connect people through taste and culture.

Outside of work, I enjoy photography, cycling, interior design, and traveling. I’ve also volunteered with animal shelters and youth centers, supporting others with compassion and care.

I believe that food is a universal language — one that can express warmth, art, and emotion. My goal is to keep growing as a chef and one day open my own café that feels like home for everyone who visits.

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is a way to bring joy to people through taste and beauty.Culinary art is how I express myself and share warmth with others.

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook when I was a child — my grandmother made our traditional cuisine incredibly delicious. Later, I decided I wanted to learn to cook ju