The Egyptian Chefs Association (ECA) proudly announces that ECA Member, Chef Mustafa Samir, Chef de Partie at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski Hotel has won the prestigious Creative Chef Award at the International Tournament of Young Chefs held in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, from 14 to 18 May, 2024. Chef Mustafa Samir, alongside ECA Board Member Naira El Lamei, represented Egypt with distinction at this esteemed event.

A Platform for Culinary Excellence

The International Tournament of Young Chefs of Islamic Countries was hosted as part of the Kazan Forum 2024, marking its debut this year. The event, aimed at fostering international cooperation and showcasing the culinary talents of young chefs from Islamic countries, saw participation from over 100 chefs representing 15 nations affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Attendees were treated to a diverse array of national cuisines prepared by young chefs from countries including Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt.

Chef Mustafa Samir’s victory in the Creative Chef category is a testament to his exceptional skill and creativity. His participation, guided by the mentorship of Naira El Lamei, involved the preparation of a set of three dishes—an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert—each incorporating at least one local ingredient that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Egypt. This unique format not only highlights the chefs’ technical abilities but also allows them to present their cultural and culinary traditions on a grand international stage.

What sets this Tournament apart from other culinary competitions is its emphasis on mentorship and collaboration. Each finalist worked closely with a mentor, a renowned chef, to refine their dishes and enhance their presentation.

The Tournament concluded with each finalist, supported by a team of chefs from Kazan’s finest restaurants, preparing their dishes for the Forum guests to taste.

The Egyptian Chefs Association extends its heartfelt congratulations to Chef Mustafa Samir for his outstanding achievement. Special thanks are also due to Chef Hany Hamed Badr for his dedication in training the chef and to Holiday Inn Citystars for generously hosting the training sessions. This victory underscores the ECA’s commitment to nurturing culinary talent and promoting Egypt’s rich gastronomic heritage on the international stage.