Meet Lena Artunian, owner of HyFeastLA, a 3rd generation chef and food content creator who has dedicated her life to preserving the rich culinary heritage of her Armenian, Syrian, and Lebanese roots. Lena’s passion for cooking began at a young age, as she learned the art of traditional cuisine from her parents and grandparents at their family-owned restaurant.
Growing up in a family of culinary experts, she observed her grandfather select the freshest ingredients and masterfully prepare them to create delicious Syrian delicacies that left a lasting impression on customers. This tradition of dedication and mastery was passed down for several generations. Her father opened a restaurant called Zouhour in North Hollywood, California. After spending eight years there, they moved to Tarzana, starting a new restaurant by the name, Mihran’s.
Despite her love for cooking, Lena also pursued a successful career in healthcare, earning a degree in Health Service Management and a CNA license. She worked in various hospitals as a unit manager and assisted administrators, but her passion for cooking remained strong. After the unexpected passing of her father, who had dedicated his life to the family restaurant, Lena decided to honor his memory by sharing his delicious recipes and culinary knowledge with the world.
This led to the creation of her food blog HyeFeastLA on Instagram. She has been actively sharing her recipes, cooking tips, and skills with her followers for the past ten years. These recipes and information have been a source of inspiration for young cooks. After her success as a food blogger, Lena began private one-on-one, group, and virtual cooking classes, which have become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Lena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Service Management and CNA certification. She didn’t stop at it but continued her journey to get featured in top magazines and news publications. She has been featured on Spectrum News 1 for her cooking segments on Armenian cuisine. Her community has also recognized her contribution to preserving their cultural heritage through food.
Her journey as a chef and food content creator is genuinely inspiring. She has dedicated her life to honoring her family’s legacy and sharing her love for cooking with the world. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, HyeFeastLA is the perfect source of authentic, delicious, and easy-to-follow recipes that will transport your taste buds to the Middle East.