Get to know Homa Dashtaki, the founder of the beloved artisanal yogurt brand The White Moustache and now a cookbook author with the release of her latest book Yogurt & Whey: Recipes of an Iranian Immigrant life! A dedicated lawyer turned passionate yogurt maker, Homa is an endless source of inspiration.
Make sure to also check out the exclusive recipe for Tachin, a special Iranian rice dish that Homa shared with us.
What’s a turtles’ superpower according to Homa? Find out below!
Name: Homa Dashtaki Occupation: Author. Yogurt Maker. Mom. Residency: Split my time between Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Los Angeles and Rhode Island
What is your favorite smell? Fresh herbs
What is your favorite way to spend your time? In the White Moustache facility with my team. It might be right in the middle of the storm—but it’s MY storm and I love it.
What is your favorite childhood food memory? Tie: My dad bringing home sandwiches from his Sandwich Shop Parsian in Tehran. Faloodeh Yazdi in our hometown of Yazd.
If you were an animal- which one would you be? Turtle. You think it’s moving too slow because it just doesn’t give a sh*t. But moving slowly is its superpower, it takes great courage to be a slow animal. Also, I like how turtles can go into their homes at any second they want to.
What's your favorite restaurant/ cafe/ bakery? Fan Fan Donuts
What is your motto? Everything matters
What's your go-to comfort food? Rice and yogurt
Top pantry essentials in your kitchen? Salt & butter
Where do you shop for specialty food items? Super Kings in Southern California, Balady Foods in Bay Ridge or Edy’s Grocer in Greenpoint, Richmond Market in Rhode Island
What's your favorite hiding place? Fetal position in the closet
What did you eat for breakfast? Carrots
What is your favorite cookbook? Cooking in Iran by Najmieh Batmanglij
If you could collaborate with any person on a project.. who and what would it be? I would like to roast a chicken with Jay-Z and Beyonce
What is your theme song? Three Little Birds, Bob Marley. It’s my yogurt’s favorite English song.
What is your favorite New York Shuk product? And what do you like to make with it? Preserved Lemon Paste—EVERYTHING. Sweets, savories, drinks. I’d definitely put it on that chicken I want to make with Beyonce.
