The name Mahshid Babzartabi is synonymous with Iranian cuisine. Through her various culinary ventures, including her first book, she’s already introduced us to the rich history and flavours of Persian cooking. However, Mahshid’s latest release, Stop, Next Chapter, takes an autobiographical turn, inviting her readers into a deeply personal narrative: her own extraordinary journey.
The inspiration for this book, she tells me, was clear from the moment she embarked on her journey to Australia by boat, but the weight of that experience meant it took years to process.
“I started writing in my first year in Australia but only recently decided to finish it,” Mahshid shares. “This story has the potential to change the perspectives of those who oppose people seeking asylum arriving by boat. I hope it also brings attention to the tens of thousands of people who, even after a decade in this country, are still living in limbo.”
Mahshid hopes her book will reach those who may not understand the struggles faced by people seeking asylum. “My main goal with this book is to reach those who lack compassion or understanding. I sincerely hope that by the end of the book, readers who previously viewed people seeking asylum as opportunistic or lazy will see the reality of our struggles and resilience.”
Her journey to Australia was not only a search for safety but also a profound lesson in gratitude. “The entire journey has been a lifelong lesson in appreciating every opportunity and small blessing,” she reflects. “For me, becoming an entrepreneur is not just about personal success; it’s about creating opportunities for others. I feel a deep responsibility to give back to the community that has given me a second chance.”
However, publishing a book came with challenges. “The biggest challenge was finding the right person to edit my book,” she explains. “Fortunately, I was lucky to meet Rana Ebrahimi, a professional book editor and the manager at MYAN, who helped refine my work. Financial constraints were another major hurdle. Publishing a book without sponsorship is an expensive process, and this was one of the reasons for delaying publication. But like all financial struggles, perseverance and resilience saw me through.”
Mahshid’s entrepreneurial success in Australia is inspiring, but she acknowledges the road has not been easy. “Starting a business from scratch, with no support, is an incredibly tough journey; perhaps not as dangerous as crossing the ocean, but certainly not much easier. Entrepreneurs who share the same dream must be prepared to face countless challenges. It’s like a video game: once you overcome one obstacle, another appears. But in the end, if you persist, you will succeed and be rewarded for your efforts.”
For Chef Mahshid, cooking is deeply personal, a way to connect with her past and her loved ones. One dish that holds a special place in her heart is green beans with lamb and saffron rice. “I used to cook it for my children,” she recalls. “The excitement in their eyes when they came home from school to find this dish waiting for them is a feeling beyond words. For me, this meal is more than just food, it’s like looking through a cherished family photo album.”
When asked about the significance of traditional Persian dishes, Mahshid highlights their deep connection to nature. “Many traditional dishes from different regions, especially the north, rely on wild herbs that must be sourced from specific landscapes to achieve their authentic taste. The essence of these meals is tied to ingredients that may not be familiar outside their native environment, making them even more special.”
As for where to find her book, Stop, Next Chapter is currently available here with plans to be stocked in libraries across the country. “We are also working on a dedicated website for selling and promoting my books, as I am already writing my next one.”
Excitingly, Mahshid will be selling her book at the upcoming Golden Threads market at Brunswick Music Festival on March 9th. Additionally, she will have a booth at the Persian Fire Festival on March 18th, where visitors can meet her and purchase a copy of her book. You can follow her future ventures on Instagram at @MahshidTaste.
Chef Mahshid Babzartabi’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and the power of food to connect people across cultures. Whether through her writing or her cooking, she continues to inspire, educate, and nourish those around her.