Chef who lived through war in Iraq says Singaporeans may not realise how safe they have it

Singaporean chef Omar, known for his popular Pete’s Mediterranean Grill in Katong, shared on a TikTok video during National Day that he hopes Singaporeans will appreciate the safety and peace they enjoy. Growing up in Iraq during the 1980s, Chef Omar was constantly exposed to loud explosions and the sound of sirens, which would signal the need to take shelter from bombings.

He later moved to the United States, where he occasionally heard gunshots, with conflicts often resolved using firearms. In contrast, the loudest sounds Chef Omar hears in Singapore are car horns and thunder – a stark reminder of the relative safety he experiences in his adopted home. Chef Omar noted that the booming thunder evokes memories of bombings in his homeland, fostering an even greater sense of appreciation for Singapore’s tranquility.

Reflecting on the 61 years of peace the nation has enjoyed, Chef Omar acknowledged that such a peaceful environment is not a mere coincidence but rather the result of concerted effort, unity, and care from all citizens. His TikTok video also highlighted his background, detailing how he grew up in Iraq, pursued a degree in engineering, and moved to the United States where he initially worked in the engineering field before finding his true passion in cooking.

Eventually, he ventured into the restaurant business, initially working with his cousin before eventually launching his successful Mediterranean food venture, Pete’s Mediterranean Grill, located at 125 East Coast Road. Having married a Singaporean, Chef Omar now calls Singapore home, and his heart still lies in the culinary arts, where he prepares Iraqi dishes for his friends and family on weekends.