25 Oct 2025
From Oilfields to Flavours: The Unwritten Chapter of Ansaf Riyaz
There are times in life when change arrives uninvited, yet brings with it the chance to rediscover who we are. For Ansaf Riyaz, that moment came during the long, uncertain days of the pandemic. The world had slowed down, the noise of work had faded, and for the first time in years, he found himself standing still; not on an oil rig or inside an operations center, but in his hometown of Aligarh.
Ansaf had spent more than a decade building a remarkable career in the oil and gas industry, working with leading global names and managing complex operations across the Middle East. His life had always been defined by precision, structure, and problem solving. Yet during those quiet months, another part of him began to awaken; a part that longed for creativity, flavour, and connection.
He remembered the years he had spent in the Middle East, where food was not just nourishment but a language of culture and warmth. The smoky scent of shawarma turning slowly on the grill, the tenderness of shish tawook seasoned with lemon and garlic, the golden layers of kunafa melting with sweetness; these were more than tastes. They were memories. And when he looked around Aligarh, he realised those flavours were missing.
That small realisation became the seed of an idea, and soon, an entirely new venture was born; Olaebaan. The name itself carried a sense of identity and belonging, a bridge between two worlds that Ansaf knew so well. His goal was simple yet heartfelt: to bring authentic Middle Eastern flavours to the people of Aligarh.
Ansaf Riyaz
Consultant- SLB
Ansaf Riyaz is an operations consultant known for his calm precision, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to excellence. With more than twelve years of experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, he has worked with leading global organizations such as SLB, Baker Hughes, and Scomi Oiltools. His work has taken him across complex projects in the Middle East and India, where he has earned recognition for his ability to drive performance, manage risk, and lead diverse teams through demanding environments.
Ansaf had no background in the food industry. He had never run a restaurant or managed a kitchen. But what he did have was an unwavering commitment to learn and to build something from nothing. He began by experimenting in his own kitchen, working late into the night to recreate the flavours he remembered. The sound of sizzling meat, the aroma of garlic and olive oil, and the hum of quiet concentration filled his home. Friends and neighbours soon became his first tasters, and their encouragement pushed him to take the next step.
Launching Olaebaan was an act of courage. Ansaf handled every part of it himself; from sourcing ingredients to finding packaging solutions, from managing staff to designing the menu. He would travel to Delhi’s crowded markets to search for the right spices and sauces, often carrying them back himself to ensure quality. He collaborated with local workers for packaging and setup, teaching and learning in equal measure. Nothing was too small to deserve his attention.
Slowly, Olaebaan began to grow. People in Aligarh started hearing about a new place that served food unlike anything else in the city. The first customers came out of curiosity, but they returned for the taste, for the care and authenticity that Ansaf poured into every dish. The shawarmas, the shish tawook, and the kunafa became favourites, celebrated for their richness and originality.
Yet beyond the success of the food, what truly stood out was Ansaf’s spirit. He approached every obstacle with patience and purpose. When a problem arose, he would treat it as an opportunity to learn. When supplies ran short, he found new ways to adapt. When things seemed impossible, he simply kept going. His determination and humility became the true ingredients behind Olaebaan’s growing reputation.
In time, as global travel resumed and professional life called him back to the Middle East, Ansaf decided to pause the venture. But Olaebaan left a lasting mark. It became more than a restaurant. It became a story of passion, resilience, and belief, a reminder that creativity can thrive even in the most uncertain times.
For Ansaf, Olaebaan was never just about business. It was about creating something meaningful from the heart, something that connected people through flavour and memory. It was a reflection of who he is; a problem solver, a learner, and above all, a dreamer who dares to act.
He often says, “Give me a problem, and I will find a solution.”
Through Olaebaan, he proved those words true. He turned stillness into creation, uncertainty into opportunity, and a simple dream into a lasting inspiration for others.
