Chef Nadeem Turkia’s cancer diagnosis forces closure of popular Geraldton restaurant Laian

Geraldton’s culinary scene has lost some of its distinctive flavour after restaurant Laian’s shock closure last week due to its head chef’s battle with cancer. The restaurant had its last service on Sunday, January 19 and its closure has saddened the community, which embraced the eatery for its cultural roots and culinary excellence. The decision to close did not come easy.

But it comes amid a series of challenges following head chef Nadeem Turkia’s diagnosis of stage four lymphoma. The culinary visionary behind Laian had to leave Geraldton for Darwin to be with his family during chemotherapy. His departure has left a significant void, making it difficult for the team to maintain the restaurant’s operations despite their relentless efforts to keep the doors open.



Laian opened in mid-2022, and was a breath of fresh air to the local culinary scene with its Middle Eastern menu. It soon became regularly booked out, earned a spot in the top 100 restaurants in the 2023 Western Australia Good Food Guide. Nadeem even featured in an episode of celebrity chef Adam Liaw’s SBS show, The Cook Up.

Under Nadeem’s guidance, Laian drew in patrons from near and far with authentic flavours and warm hospitality, helping put Geraldton on the Australian food map. “We had big plans for Laian, and we worked with an amazing community to achieve them,” Nadeem said. “It was an absolute pleasure to serve you, and we made so many memories, becoming one big family.

” Nadeem’s cancer diagnosis brought unforeseen hurdles, with the need to hire another chef placing additional strain on the restaurant. Despite their unwavering dedication, economic pressures and increased operational costs became insurmountable. The decision to close Laian was a painful one, bringing tears to the staff who had become a family.

“I cherish the memories of the 21⁄2 years I spent there and look forward to returning. I apologise for the closure of Laian, but sometimes things are beyond our control,” he said. As Nadeem focuses on his treatment and recovery, the community waits for the next chapter of his story and the hope that it will still include Geraldton.

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