Chef S. Sena Abay

Chef At Home in Istanbul
Chef S. Sena Abay

Get to know me better

I’m someone who stands out through attention to detail and carries ambition with discipline.

I started my culinary journey at the age of 13 in the dishwashing section and worked my way through every level of the kitchen, rising to the position of chef at an early age. I have both hands-on and academic experience; I graduated from Kadir Has University in Culinary Arts and received wine education in London. I also continued developing myself through various professional trainings, including sous vide techniques, pasta production with Barilla, and many other specialized culinary programs.

Throughout my 26 years in professional kitchens, I have had the opportunity to provide private dining experiences for well-known artists, celebrities, and high-profile families in Türkiye, serving in luxury residences, villas, and yachts. I have also been involved in setting up and managing multiple professional kitchen operations, building teams, and creating menus inspired by cuisines from around the world.

One of the most unforgettable moments in my career was receiving a job offer connected to a private charter yacht prepared for Bill Gates. Experiences like these strengthened my passion for excellence, creativity, and hospitality at the highest level.

However, beyond all titles and trainings, my most valuable education comes from years of real kitchen experience. I am committed to creating a unique identity in every plate I serve while combining technique, emotion, and culture in my cuisine.

Photo from chef S. Sena Abay

More about me

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking delivers a kind of serotonin that nothing else in life can match.

I learned to cook at...

From both my mother and every kitchen I’ve stepped into.

A cooking secret...

Before I learned techniques, I learned resilience. I discovered the soul of the kitchen at a young age, and ever since, every challenge has only made

Book your experience with Chef S. Sena

Specify the details of your requests and the chef will send you a custom menu just for you.