Taking a Dive into the Irresistible Culinary World of Burak Ozdemir: CZN Burak’s Secrets to Success
Burak Ozdemir, also known as CZN Burak, has made a name for himself in the culinary social media scene, captivating his audiences with his iconic videos of delicious Turkish recipes, impressive culinary talents and his vibrant charming personality. In this interview, we sat down with Burak to dive into his story, aspirations and his secrets to success.
What inspired you to become a chef, and how did your culinary journey begin?
When I was little, the last bell rang and I run out of school every day to eat the amazing meals my mother cooked. I have always found the peace and happiness that a nice home-cooked meal brings so fascinating that becoming a chef came naturally to me.
Who were your biggest influences growing up, both in life and in the kitchen?
In fact, I think everyone’s first influence and the person they see as their hero in life is their mother. Well, at least for me it is. That’s why my biggest source of inspiration and support in my life and in the kitchen is actually my mother.
You’ve become a global sensation on social media. How did you first react when your videos started going viral?
Of course, when you first start out, you can’t predict that things will come to this point. In fact, I started this thing to share with people how good a time I had doing what I loved, and it grew this much because my sincerity was passed on to people.
How many restaurants do you currently have, and in which countries are they located? What is your favourite restaurant among them, and why?
I currently have restaurants in Istanbul, Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai, Uzbekistan, Bradford, Tajikistan and Jordan and there are more restaurants in 6 new countries that are undergoing construction. All of them are very special to me, I feel the same excitement and joy for all of them.
What challenges have you faced as a chef transitioning into a business owner and entrepreneur?
Of course, after achieving a certain level of success on social media, moving into a new business is a step that can be intimidating. Because I am a well-known chef, I know that people have certain expectations. And trying to perfectly deliver these expectations to my customers every day is a challenge in itself, but I believe in myself and that I can do it to the best of my ability.
Can you share with us one recipe of a dish that is easy to prepare at home?
Every recipe of a chef is like his treasure. That’s why my recipes are always a secret to me.
If you could cook using only one ingredient for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
My special tomato paste definitely.
How has your popularity on social media influenced your business?
Of course, the contribution of my social media account to my current restaurant is huge, because people who see my cooking stories and videos that I share on social media are impressed by the image and come to try it. It is a source of great pride for me that thanks to my ability to reach large audiences, people from all over the world come to my country just to eat my food.
You have millions of followers around the world. How important is it for you to connect with your audience, and how do you maintain that connection?
I actually use my social media account as a kind of diary, I share what I do during the day, myself and my work. In a way, people who follow me feel like they are spending a day with me. Those who follow me see me as their family. I am like their sons and brothers to them and I am really happy and proud, because my sincerity has passed onto them. Because even when I am abroad, the old and the young who see me and come up to me and greet me, they all embrace and greet me as if I was their own family.
What five pieces of advice would you give to young chefs?
It may sound like a cliché, but I truly say this with so much conviction that you should never give up on your dreams. Because if you do not lose the strength and determination to run after your dreams, you will do everything you do with that dedication. I always believe that there is no dream that will not bear fruit with hard work.
