The Name
Ashlecker combines tradition, humor, and a deep passion for cooking. The word “Ash” in Persian originally meant “food” and comes from the Indo-European root ed- or as-, meaning “to eat.” Over time, it came to refer specifically to a thick stew made with herbs, legumes, grains, noodles, and vegetables—meat is optional. Today, Ash is an important traditional dish in Afghan and Iranian cultures, symbolizing community and togetherness. Similar dishes and words exist across Central Asia and the Middle East, like “aş” in Turkish or “osh” in Uzbek, showing its deep regional roots. An Ashpaz—a chef—is not just someone who cooks Ash. It’s a title that honors skill, creativity, and the ability to prepare any dish. Ash, in its essence, also means mixing different things—we even use it in daily life when things blend, so improvising is built into the word. ~
Who We Are?
Ashlecker began, like many great things do, with best friends: Chef Maya and Dr. LULU. We’re based in Berlin, living as neighbors with just a garden between us. We share a lovely space surrounded by greenery, where we cultivate some of our vegetables and herbs. We grew up in Savadkuh, a green mountain in northern Iran, where nature was just part of life. We had herbs to pick, and Ash to eat every other week, cooked by a mom in the neighborhood, shared. That simple life feels like a rare luxury in today’s industrial world. Maya has always felt a deep bond with nature and sustainability. While studying Media and Packaging Technology at Tehran University of Art and then HDM Stuttgart, she realized that engineering wasn’t her calling, but this path led her to develop a keen understanding of the food system from behind the scenes. Throughout and after university, she worked on various projects in the food industry, focusing on organic food, food waste, and food-sharing initiatives. As for Dr. LULU, she studied art, and we affectionately call her “Dr.” due to her deep interest in medicinal plants. This passion for nature and holistic healing has always influenced her approach to both food and life. Together, with more of our good friends, we also founded the Shur Collective, a queer feminist POC group focused on art and political projects exploring themes of borders and belonging. Behind the scenes, Ashlecker is powered by creative minds, like Horney Horse Design, who turn emotions into form, and Najoo Studio, who captures more than just food through her lens, telling stories that go beyond the plate. ~
Our Approach
Cooking means a lot to us. It’s meditative, creative, and challenging. We love exploring, smelling, and mixing different spices and ingredients. We cook how we live: with feeling, freedom, and full permission to play. No doubt, spices are essential here. In a globalized world, their diversity is power—you tell the story of culture with spices. We believe ingredients are like siblings who have been separated—and it's our responsibility to bring the family back together, in harmony on a plate. We know food is a transaction. The true joy of eating is that you are conscious of some other life willing to merge with your own life and become you. When they are in harmony, they give all pleasure to your mouth. ~
What We Care About
We have strong opinions about salt and water. For us, cooking isn’t just about food—it’s a holistic practice. We cook with Salzsole, a natural saltwater brine. Unlike dry salt, it blends into food without overpowering it. It makes you agile and alive. We’re also mindful about oils and sweetness. We don’t use refined sugar—just natural alternatives. It’s delightful to prepare healthy fast food or cake, especially when you remain playful and don’t take yourself too seriously. But one thing is serious: when it comes from the heart, it reaches the heart. ~
از دل برآید، بر دل نشیند
Herbal Tea, Water & Syrup
Another major focus of ours is syrup and herbal tea—also herbal waters and distillates—and their healing power. After facing digestive issues while living in Germany, we shifted our focus to Ayurvedic medicine and natural herbs known for their digestive benefits. We love collecting herbs from our garden and exploring herbal shops wherever we visit. Every time we return from Iran, our suitcase is filled with herbal treasures. ~
Where You’ll Find Ashlecker
We’re not based in one kitchen—we go where we’re needed: into people’s homes, at pop-ups, in art spaces, gardens, or galleries. Anywhere with good people and good energy. We offer: • Catering • Private Dining at your Home/Event • Cooking Workshops (also cooking classes with kids/children) • Cultural Events In our sessions, we can cook together, explore spices and healthy ingredients, and even move through yoga or dance, if you like. For us, Ashlecker is more than a name. It’s a tribute to the art of cooking, to bringing people together, to breaking boundaries, showing solidarity, sharing joy, and creating warmth—wherever we go. ~
