Meet Lee Begim | Owner & Chef

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

Hi Lee, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Noga Bread Co. is our incredible community. From the beginning, our mission has been not just to bake, but to connect—with the people we feed, the farmers we support, and the families who place our bread on their tables. Food quality and its origins matter deeply to us, and we’re passionate about spreading awareness of the importance of real, wholesome ingredients.

That philosophy is integral to every aspect of our production, wether its milling our flour in-house or sourcing produce directly from local farmers, we feel fortunate to create and share our goods knowing there’s nothing unnecessary added along the way. Our success stems from this shared belief with our community. It’s an honor to bring people together and watch their faces light up while exploring unfamiliar tastes and textures, all made with intention and care. These moments and relationships formed are the core of what we do and the heart of our why.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My entire career has been a learning experience and I think that will never change.. Starting this business quickly taught me that a business owner has multiple hats to wear. Eventually you want to get to that team environment were the work is very streamlined, but the beginning is very much like an individual sport. How far you go solely matters on your efforts alone.

It hasn’t always been easy. Early in my career, I worked in fine dining in New York City with incredible Chefs that I admire to this day. These experiences taught me that resilience and adaptability are key ingredients in any success.

Years later, I returned home to California, where my obsession with dough, baking, and fermentation began.

I traveled to the middle east and europe, working in various kitchen settings. My exposure to the vibrant cultures and family traditions sparked the idea of blending the two with my own twist.

Now back in LA, I’m focused on seasonal creations that push the boundaries of tradition. Bringing rich, aromatic flavors of the Middle East through sourdough breads & pastries.

In this industry, I truly learn something new every single day. It keeps me engaged, challenged, and constantly growing. The key lessons I’ve embraced are to stay adaptable, honor your roots, and never stop exploring new ideas.

My brand is a tribute to my Middle Eastern heritage and my family. The flavors and textures I create go hand in hand with distinct memories of roaming spice markets and full tables. Bold colors and tastes are what I create because they are what I know best.
Through my creations, I aim to share the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern flavors, blending the past with the present

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely show off the south bay, it’s a hidden gem with lots to offer. We would definitely start the day at Distrito Coffee in San Pedro, our neighborhood go-to for a killer cup. A walk around Avrill Park to take in some nature and then off to grab a breakfast burrito at choriman in. Dinner would be at Manow in Long Beach, my current favorite Thai spot.

If we’re lucky, on a Saturday morning we would catch my buddy Josh of Solis Bagels for the best sourdough bagel in town. Lunch at Shin-Sen-Gumi for a traditional yakitori experience. A walk along Point Fermin in San pedro at sunset is a must see and a game of basketball at the Korean Bell overlooking the ocean and Catalina Island can’t be beat. For a nostalgic dinner, I would hit up a childhood favourite, Carnival restaurant, in the Valley for a killer shawarma and all the dips.

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?
Our shoutout is dedicated to the people in our community who have supported us by showing up, sharing our story, and making our bread a part of their lives—this success belongs to you, too. It’s your love for what we do that makes it all possible

Website: https://www.nogabreadco.com

Instagram: @nogabreadco

Facebook: @nogabreadco