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The Egyptian Chefs Association (ECA) has reignited the excitement at this year’s HACE exhibition with a brand-new highlight: Live Culinary Demonstrations, presented alongside the Association’s renowned Live Cooking Competitions. Sponsored by Kraft Heinz, Juhayna, Hero, and Al Monairy Holding and supported with professional kitchen equipment from Contrade Center and CookKing, this three-day culinary showcase turned the exhibition floor into a vibrant hub of creativity, learning, and inspiration.
For the first time in years, the Demo Stage made its triumphant return — and it came back bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever. Over the course of three days (7–9 October), eleven dynamic cooking demonstrations brought together Egypt’s most talented chefs, culinary innovators, and international guests.
From mastering Egyptian heritage dishes to exploring global techniques and pastry artistry, every session was a masterclass in culinary expression. Each demo invited professionals, students, and food enthusiasts alike to learn, taste, and be inspired by the craft behind every plate.
The opening day kicked off with a powerhouse lineup that set the tone for the event, with four exceptional demos, each offering a unique culinary perspective:
Chef Heyam Abdelhadi, Executive Chef at Bel Group, began the series with a creamy indulgence — Basque Cheesecake with a Twist and Mango Cheesecake Drinks — blending modern technique with comforting familiarity.
Chef Martin Rodriguez, Executive Chef of Izakaya, followed with Ceviche Heritage of Peru with Egyptian Ingredients, demonstrating how cultural fusion can create fresh, exciting flavors.
Chef Corentin Royer, Expert Chef at Callebaut Chocolate Academy, brought artistry and science together in his session on praline innovation and chocolate craftsmanship.
Chef Salma Saleh, Juhayna & Maggi Nestlé Ambassador, wrapped up the day with her Signature Moussaka Bite — a refined composition of potato cylinder, braised beef cheeks, and crisp herb flatbread that captured both tradition and modern finesse.
Day two spotlighted transformation, creativity, and personal journeys in the culinary world.
Chef Artem Vasylevych, Executive Pastry Chef at Pier 88, led with “The Art of Reinvention – Modern Interpretations of Classic Desserts,” featuring his Tiramisu Reborn and Lemon Baba Eleganza — desserts that balanced nostalgia with innovation.
Chef Farah El Charkawy, Founder of Fôu by Farah, showcased her French pastry mastery through her Plated Fruits Pavlova, a delicate display of precision, elegance, and flavor born from her training at École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie.
Chef Karim Abdelrahman, Founder of Avec Karim, shared his journey from École Ducasse and Restaurant Guy Savoy to redefining Egypt’s private dining scene. His demo embodied the vision of bringing Egyptian gastronomy to the global stage — sophisticated, heartfelt, and distinctly local.
The final day brought together some of Egypt’s most accomplished chefs and international pastry experts — a true celebration of skill, passion, and leadership in the culinary arts.
Chef Perihan Saleh, Founder of Gracias, opened the day with her reimagined Latin-inspired street food — a fusion of bold flavors and fine-dining finesse, inspiring many as one of Egypt’s first solo female chef-owners.
Chef Said Ben Amor, Master Pastry Chef & Senior Product Specialist at Casa Optima Group, brought two decades of pastry and gelato expertise to life, inspiring the audience with precision and creativity that transcended borders.
Chef Sherif Afifi, F&B entrepreneur and corporate chef at Unilever, shared insights from his diverse culinary ventures — impressed with his forward-thinking approach, blending culinary heritage with entrepreneurship and media.
Closing the event was Chef Mostafa Seif, Executive Chef of Pier 88 Group & Khufu and winner of Top Chef Arabia 2017. His demo embodied the spirit of excellence that has earned Khufu’s recognition as Best Restaurant in Egypt 2025 and a top ranking on the 50 Best MENA list.
The return of the Live Demo Zone wasn’t just a nostalgic revival; it marked a new era of education and innovation in Egypt’s culinary industry. The Egyptian Chefs Association, supported by leading brands, has created a platform that celebrates the art of cooking. Each chef shared not only their techniques but also their personal journeys and philosophies — inspiring the next generation of Egyptian chefs to experiment, innovate, and grow.
With the resounding success of the Culinary Demo Zone, the Egyptian Chefs Association reaffirmed its mission to elevate Egypt’s culinary standards, foster professional exchange, and celebrate the artistry of chefs who continue to push boundaries.
