Abir El Saghir is a Lebanese chef, social media influencer, and TikTok sensation who has gained millions of fans around the world with her mouthwatering dishes and her cheerful personality. She is one of the most followed Arab creators on TikTok, where she showcases her culinary skills and her cultural heritage. She has also won several awards and honors for her content and her impact. In this blog post, we will explore the life story of Abir El Saghir, and how she became a successful chef and a global phenomenon.
How Abir El Saghir Became a Chef
Abir El Saghir was born on 24 September 1998 in Western Beqaa District, Lebanon. She grew up in a large and supportive family and was inspired by the local cuisine of her country. She developed a passion for cooking at a young age and learned from her mother, who was a great cook. She also volunteered as an apprentice to a local kebab vendor, Munir Ustad, who taught her the secrets of the trade.
Abir El Saghir wanted to pursue cooking as a career, but her family was not supportive of her choice. They wanted her to become an engineer or a doctor. She had to convince them to let her join the Lebanese University in Beirut, where she received a formal education in culinary arts. She graduated from there in 2020 with a degree in Interior Design.
After completing her degree, Abir El Saghir started her career as a chef at a restaurant in Beirut. She then moved to Dubai, where she worked at several prestigious restaurants, such as Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, and Zuma. She gained recognition for her innovative and fusion cuisine and became one of the youngest chefs in the Middle East.
Abir El Saghir then decided to explore the international culinary scene and moved to London, where she worked at several renowned restaurants, such as The Ivy, Le Caprice, and The Ritz. She also became the corporate chef for the One World Hospitality Group, one of the oldest restaurant groups in London.
How Abir El Saghir Became a Social Media Star
Abir El Saghir became a social media star after she started posting videos of her cooking on TikTok in 2021. Her videos feature her preparing dishes from around the world with a smile on her face and without looking away from the camera. She also shows her impressive knife skills and her artistic plating techniques. Her videos attract millions of views and likes on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. She earned the nickname “Smiley Bae” from her fans who admired her positive attitude and her charming smile.
Abir El Saghir’s popularity on social media also boosted her business and her brand. She opened more branches of her restaurant in Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence, London’s Mayfair, and Beirut’s Hamra districts. She also launched her own line of products such as sauces, spices, teas, coffees, chocolates, and more.
Abir El Saghir also received many awards and honors for her content and her impact. She won the Joy Award for Favorite Female Influencer in 2023. She also won the TikTok Creator of the Year Award in 2024. She also became the first Arab chef to be featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2025.
Abir El Saghir is one of the most successful and influential chefs in Lebanon and the world. She is the owner of a chain of restaurants that serve delicious cuisine from different regions. She is also a social media star who has captivated millions of fans with her smiley videos and her charismatic personality. She is a proud Lebanese who has fulfilled her dream of becoming a chef and sharing her passion for food and culture with the world.