Bora Korkmaz - Chef

After completing the Professional Culinary Arts Program at the Culinary Arts Academy (MSA) in 2011, Bora began his career at Mövenpick Hotel and Le Pain Quotidien Kanyon.

He then joined W Doha Hotel & Residences in Qatar, working at Spice Market by Jean-Georges.

Later, he moved to London and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu – Cuisine Diplôme. After interning at the Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social, he returned to Istanbul to work as Primi Piatti Chef at Massimo Bottura’s Ristorante Italia di Massimo Bottura.

He rejoined the Culinary Arts Academy as an instructor chef, teaching for three years and taking part in various opening projects, including serving as brand chef for WMF.

Most recently, he managed all personnel and food operations for the opening of NOBU Istanbul, and later served as Chef de Cuisine for NOBU Bodrum and NOBU by the Beach.

İpek Akman KORKMAZ - Founder

With a strong passion for hospitality, İpek began her education at Sabancı University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in Istanbul. She then completed her Master’s in Hotel Management at the Swiss Hotel Management School in Switzerland.
Over her 13-year hospitality career, she has worked in four countries outside of Turkey, holding leadership positions such as supervisor, manager, director, and board member within luxury hotel groups.
She has led multiple restaurant openings and managed numerous teams throughout her career. Since early 2023, she has been actively involved in all service areas of Umami Consulting, which she co-founded with Chef Bora Korkmaz.