Meet Omar Henry | Personal Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Omar Henry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Omar, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea to start my own business came from the desire to create something uniquely my own. I wanted a space where I could fully express my passion for cooking and showcase my creativity. For me, cooking is a form of personal expression and an opportunity to share a part of myself with others. By launching my own business, I envisioned a platform where I could experiment with new flavors, share my vision of food and connect with people in a meaningful way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my ability to blend global flavors with local, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that tell a story — one that reflects my personal journey, heritage, and passion for the culinary arts. After a 14-year military career, transitioning into the kitchen wasn’t easy. There were moments of disappointment, but every setback taught me to fail forward, embrace the lessons, and stay grounded in my “why.” Cooking is more than a profession to me; it’s a way to honor culture, build connections, and express love. Each plate is a reflection of that belief, my heritage, and innovation. I aim to create experiences that go beyond taste, reminding people that food is more than sustenance. It’s love, culture, and connection on a plate.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is a dope city and I’ve plenty of friends and family visit. There’s so many legit spots to explore and dine and drink at. Definitely a city that invokes a conversation of the epicurean minds. So for the itinerary,

Hang Outs/Visit: Pacific Beach and Mission Beach Boardwalks, Coronado Island, North and South Park, Barrio Logan, Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs, Gaslamp, East Village, Balboa Park.

For Food: Las Cuatros Milpas, The Balboa, Sunny Boy Biscuits, Fish Guts, Mabel’s Gone Fishing, The Lion’s Share, OB Noodle House, The Smoking Goat, Rare Society, Tacos el Gordo, Bencotto, Callie,

For Drinks: Part Time Lover, The Reading Club, Botanica, Happy Medium, Mezcaleria, Realm of 52 Remedies, Kamon, The Whiskey House, The Cordova.

San Diego’s list of things to do and see is vast. There’s always a new bar, restaurant, hang out spot popping up you could never fit it all in one trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Countless people who have played a role in shaping who I am today, each contributing to my growth in unique and meaningful ways. However, the one person who stands out above all is my mother, Marie. She has been a constant source of inspiration, guidance, and support throughout my life. My deep passion for cooking comes from watching her in the kitchen as a child, I was captivated by the way she could turn simple ingredients into delicious, heartwarming meals. She didn’t just teach me how to cook, she taught me the joy of sharing a meal with others. Her kitchen was a space for connection, storytelling, and love.

Website: https://www.chefomarhenry.com

Instagram: @chefomarhenry