Yotam Ottolenghi is to food what Mick Jagger is to music — basically a superstar. The Israeli-born, London-based chef has amassed an empire of eateries spread throughout the English capital, and a burgeoning array of cookbooks to match (including most recent tome Simple).

The Cordon Bleu-trained chef has worked in some of London’s top Michelin-starred restaurants before meeting Arab-Palestinian chef (and future business partner) Sami Tamimi. The duo opened the first Ottolenghi deli in Notting Hill, with their dishes characterised by Middle Eastern flavours, vegetables and simplicity.

Now fans will have their chance to chat with the man behind their favourite Middle Eastern fare when the chef rolls into Sydney next month. On Tuesday, January 29, An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi will take place; a discussion with the celebrated foodie about his colourful life and career (and everything in between).

No one may be more excited than Edwina Throsby, Head of Talks and Ideas at the Sydney Opera House. “Every now and then a chef comes along who fundamentally changes the way we cook at home. Yotam Ottolenghi has had a massive impact on our kitchens – not only has he been single-handedly responsible for a rejuvenation in the flagging pomegranate molasses market, he has also spearheaded a global movement towards vegetable-based meals. I am salivating at the prospect of hearing my culinary idol reveal the personal stories behind the inspirational recipes.”

If you are an Ottolenghi fan, we suggest you don’t dilly-dally when it comes to purchasing tickets. His appearance at the Opera House back in 2014 did sell-out after all. Tickets to the event can be purchased online from Wednesday.