Issam Koteich is a Venezuelan chef whose culinary journey has taken him through the gastronomic landscapes of San Sebastián, Dubai, and beyond. After honing his craft in Europe and the Middle East, he returned to Venezuela to establish Melao, a restaurant in Mérida that blended global techniques with local ingredients. 

His talent and vision soon led him back to Dubai, where he worked as a gastronomic advisor for a large-scale hospitality project, overseeing the launch of numerous restaurants. This experience reinforced his presence on the international culinary stage and deepened his understanding of diverse culinary traditions. A potential career move to Canada brought him back to Venezuela for a short visit, but an encounter with Proyecto Ubre reconnected him to his roots. 

This experience inspired him to stay and lead the kitchen at Cordero, a restaurant in Caracas where he creates dishes that celebrate Venezuelan flavors through a contemporary lens. At Cordero, Koteich has crafted a cuisine that reflects both his international influences and his deep appreciation for Venezuelan ingredients, helping to bring new attention to the country’s evolving culinary scene.