The Food Africa Expo, held from December 3–5, 2024, was once again a cornerstone event for Africa’s food and beverage industry and the MENA region. As the continent’s largest international trade exhibition for the food and agro-industries, the expo brought together over 900 companies from 32 countries for three dynamic days of showcasing, networking, and market engagement. Adding a unique cultural dimension to the event, the organizer designed the demo and kitchen booth as a Pharaonic temple, reflecting Egypt’s rich heritage and positioning the country as a global center for culinary arts. Amidst this vibrant platform, the Egyptian Chefs Association (ECA) took center stage, organizing live cooking demonstrations that celebrated global culinary diversity while showcasing Egyptian products to a captivated audience of local and international visitors. 

Food Africa Expo: A Gateway to Global Trade 

Over its last eight successful editions, Food Africa Expo has firmly established itself as a premier networking platform, connecting international traders, vendors, and professionals to key markets in Egypt, MENA, and Africa. The event is a gateway to access Egypt’s booming mega-market and the broader opportunities within the African agriculture industry. It attracts wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and other industry professionals, creating a unique space for business matchmaking and collaboration. 

Flavors Without Borders: Culinary Demos by the Egyptian Chefs Association

Under the captivating theme, “Flavors Without Borders: Discover the World on Your Plate”, the Egyptian Chefs Association (ECA) orchestrated six live cooking demonstrations. These sessions brought together six renowned chefs representing six distinct global cuisines, offering visitors a multi-sensory journey through taste, creativity, and culture. The kitchen equipment for these demonstrations was generously provided by Masria Company and Contrade Center, enhancing the cooking experience and ensuring a seamless and professional culinary showcase.

Switzerland – Chef Samuel Müller (Carma Chocolate Ambassador)

Flying in specially for the event with the support of the Swiss Embassy in Cairo and in cooperation with Carma, Barry Callebaut, and Al Safy, Chef Samuel Müller enchanted the audience with his demo, “Dessert à l’Assiette Around Chocolate,” and served chocolate bonbons. This session celebrated Swiss chocolate’s unmatched quality and versatility, leaving dessert enthusiasts in awe. 

Peru – Chef Martin Rodriguez (Izakaya Cairo Restaurant)

With support from the Peruvian Embassy in Cairo, Chef Martin Rodriguez delivered two iconic dishes that brought Peru’s bold and vibrant flavors to the audience:  Ceviche, a classic Peruvian dish featuring fish marinated in lime juice which has been adopted by countries around the world, and Lomo Saltado. The fusion of fresh ingredients and unique spices offered an unforgettable taste of Peruvian culinary tradition. 

Egypt – Chef Moustafa El Refaey (Zooba Restaurant)

Celebrating Egyptian culinary artistry, with the sponsorship of Maxim Foods, Chef Moustafa showcased two meticulously crafted dishes that combined local flavors with innovative techniques: 

1. Pan-Seared Sea Bass Fillet

   – Served over shrimp and octopus with Sayadia Rice, cooked in brown shrimp stock, flavored with dill, and finished with a delicate dill caper cream sauce.

2. Blackened Shrimp and Squid Salad 

   – Featuring pan-grilled Aazaz shrimp and baby squid, paired with honey cumin-glazed baby potatoes, over bed of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shallots, tricolor peppers, pickled cucumber, sundried tomatoes, cilantro leaves, sun bread crostini flavored with smoked herring tepenade and boori caviar and drizzled with a roasted red pepper aioli. 

Italy – Chef Mohamed Attia (A Modo Mio)

Chef Mohamed Attia brought a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, showcasing two Italian staples; Pizza, and Pinsa. These items highlighted Italy’s timeless culinary techniques and flavors. 

Thailand – Chefs Surasak Seed Yoramin & Panee Khangrang (Sabai Sabai Asian Food)

Supported by the Thai Embassy’s Commercial Section, the Thai chefs captivated audiences with two exquisite dishes representing Thai cuisine’s bold and aromatic flavors. 

USA – (U.S. Meat Export Federation Ambassadors)

The Butcher and The Chef Ziad Muasher and Chef Lubna Alamat, ambassadors for the (USMEF), showcased the premium quality of American meat through three expertly crafted plates; Miso Braised Short Ribs on Mashed Sweet Potato & Pickled Red Onions, Grilled Strip Steak over Spicy Mango & Avocado Salsa

And Striploin Crostinis with Horseradish Whip & Crispy Onions, featuring cuts like sirloin and ribeye. Their presentation emphasized the versatility and superior taste of U.S. beef. 

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Partners

The success of these demos was made possible by the generous support of key partners: 

• The Swiss Embassy in Cairo for sponsoring Chef Samuel Müller’s chocolate artistry. 
• The Peruvian Embassy in Cairo for championing the flavors of Peru with Chef Martin Rodriguez. 
• The Thai Embassy (Commercial Section) for bringing the expertise of Thai master chefs to the stage. 
• The United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) for spotlighting the exceptional quality of American meat through their talented chef duo. 

The Egyptian Chefs Association’s live cooking demos at Food Africa Expo 2024 were a resounding success, that offered visitors a culinary tour around the globe while celebrating Egypt’s vibrant food culture.

Stay tuned for more exciting culinary events and initiatives by the Egyptian Chefs Association!