He's the celebrated chef who has gone from kitchen cleaner to award-winning restaurateur.

Aziz Gezer, owner of Uni Kebab Turkish Mangal in Southampton's Burgess Road, is our latest meet the chef.

What first inspired you to become a chef? 

"I never planned on becoming a chef. 25 years ago in Turkey, I worked as a farmer and even sold jeans. When I moved to the UK at 23, I had no experience, but I was always observing and learning. What started as just a job quickly became a passion. That journey has shaped everything I do today."

(Image: Uni Kebab Turkish Mangal) What was the first meal you ever cooked for someone else? 

"It was for my wife, 23 years ago. Et Sote is a traditional Turkish dish and is now on our menu."

Tell us a bit about your career so far… 

"I arrived in the UK in 2000 and took a job as a kitchen cleaner and porter in a small kebab house. I didn’t speak much English, and the work was exhausting, but I had faith that hard work would open doors.

"I spent my time watching the chefs, asking questions, and absorbing knowledge.

"In 2010, my wife and I decided to take a leap of faith and opened our takeaway with just eight seats. It was just us and our three young children, handing out flyers and building relationships with the local community. 

"By 2022, we had grown into a nearly 100-seater Turkish restaurant. Now, I work alongside my family and an incredible team, serving authentic Turkish food made with the same passion and care I learned over the years."

(Image: Uni Kebab Turkish Mangal) What’s been your proudest career moment? 

"Winning our first British Kebab Award in 2018 in Westminster was an unforgettable and incredibly emotional moment.

"A close second would be winning Chef of the Year at the Houses of Parliament during the Turkish Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. Moments like these remind me why I started this journey in the first place." 

What’s your signature dish? 

"Our Wombo Combo sharing platter—it’s a feast! It features all of our meats, from lamb chops to ribs, and is definitely a showstopper."

What’s your favourite meal to cook at home? 

"My wife is English, and over the years, I’ve come to love preparing a proper roast dinner."

(Image: Uni Kebab Turkish Mangal) What’s your culinary guilty pleasure?

"Kunefe! It used to be my absolute favourite, but after being diagnosed with diabetes, I had to cut it out. That doesn’t stop me from enjoying the smell of it or watching others dig in, though!"

Which ingredient is always in your fridge?

"Garlic—lots of it! Everything tastes better with garlic!"

What’s your favourite dish currently on your menu?

"Lamb Bayti and Ali Nazik—both dishes are full of rich, authentic Turkish flavours that take me straight back to my roots." 

What’s your career ambition? 

"To keep working hard and making Uni Kebab Turkish Mangal Restaurant a place where people love to return."

(Image: Uni Kebab Turkish Mangal)