El Gouna Hotels Steal the Show: a Culinary Triumph at HACE Hotel Expo
El Gouna has once again proven itself to be a leader of Egypt’s hospitality hot spots. The city’s most loved hotels earnt top marks at the 2024 HACE Hotel Expo in Cairo, one of the Middle East and North Africa's largest trade shows for hospitality, catering, and foodservice. The competition saw some of the region’s most skilled chefs face off, representing local favourites like The Chedi, Casa Cook, Steigenberger, and Sheraton Miramar. Winning gold, silver, and bronze medals across various categories, it was a showcase of creativity that solidified El Gouna’s place at the forefront of fine dining and culinary experiences in Egypt.
The Chedi El Gouna’s Gold-Winning Menu: A Taste of Victory
Of course, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to sample the menu that took home the sought-after gold medal. So, we made our way to The Chedi for an unforgettable dinner, where we indulged in the award-winning dishes and sat down for a chat with the masterminds behind it all, Chef Marko and Chef Mohamed.
Spectacular Simplicity: The Humble Tomato Shines
We began our journey with the vegan tomato starter. The dish was impressive in its simplicity and we loved the brave and singular focus on this classic Egyptian staple. The sun-dried intensity of the garnish was beautifully lifted by the fresh tomato, and aromatic basil and mint—a rich walnut muhamara centre offered well-rounded umami promise for the rest of the meal. This was a starter that played with contrasts: bright and bold, rich and refreshing.
A Star-Studded Hot Appetizer: Seabass with a Twist
The hot appetizer that followed was, in our opinion, the undisputed star of the evening. The unconventional saddle of wild, Mediterranean seabass, served on the bone, was perfectly flaky. A smooth and salty spinach puree provided a deep and earthy backdrop to sweet al dente peas and a briny Red Sea crab bisque. Circles of pickled beetroot offered welcome colour, sharpness and bite. This was fresh fish at its finest— we could have eaten the plate twice over!
The Main Event: Lamb Shank with a Mediterranean Flair
Next, we moved on to the main course—a dish that clearly reflected Chef Marko’s ingenuity and playful approach to the classic combination of meat, potato and vegetables found on almost every hotel menu. Tender lamb shank was encased in a crispy duck bacon that added a salty, smoky edge to the richness of the meat. A creamy herby polenta, singing with rosemary and thyme was complemented by a ginger-infused carrot purée, and crispy, paper-thin potato chips added a salty and satisfying crunch. A final flourish of local, buttery asparagus (my favourite!) imparted delicacy and sophistication, evoking the lingering traces of summer in an otherwise autumnal plate of flavours.
Room for Dessert: A Sweet Finale
I don’t know how exactly but our well-filled stomachs somehow found a hidden corner for dessert. After a brief breathing break and stroll around the Chedi’s beautiful pool area we were presented with a chocolate tahini mousse that was as decadent as it was delicate. Rich and creamy, yet not overwhelmingly sweet, the mousse was a perfect example of culinary balance. A refreshing mango and local tea sorbet served as a light and zesty palate cleanser that contrasted wonderfully with the richness of the chocolate and showcased Egypt’s favourite fruit. Fresh mango cubes, scattered berries, and a light, crispy pastry provided texture and a burst of brightness—a fitting end to an extraordinary meal.
A Conversation with the Chefs: Inside the Winning Kitchen
After the meal, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Chef Marko, who exuded passion and pride when talking about the competition and the team’s victory. “It’s like a marathon,” he said, his eyes lighting up as he described the energy and excitement of the event. “Everyone comes for the same thing.” He credited the win to his team’s collaborative spirit and the freedom to experiment in the kitchen. “Cooking offers unlimited options for my creativity,” he explained. Chef Mohamed, who played a crucial role in the winning menu, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Through cooking, I can express myself.” It was clear that for these chefs, the competition wasn’t just about winning medals—it was about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and creating something truly special. It’s easy to see why The Chedi won the first prize with its focus on top quality ingredients, and a thoughtful menu that reflects Egypt’s unique geography as a cultural and culinary meeting point of East and West.
El Gouna’s Other Culinary Stars: Casa Cook, Steigenberger, and Sheraton Miramar
While The Chedi took the gold, other hotels also made their mark in the sand amongst the best restaurants in Gouna. Casa Cook, known for its laid-back, bohemian vibe, earned a silver medal in the Best Chef category, showcasing its Mediterranean-inspired menu with local twists. Their restaurant blends fresh, modern flavors with a casual, relaxed atmosphere, making it a top choice for foodies in El Gouna.
Steigenberger’s restaurant was also a standout, securing a bronze medal for their dessert entry. Their European-inspired menu, with a focus on local ingredients, continues to draw guests looking for a sophisticated dining experience in Egypt’s Red Sea resort town.
Sheraton Miramar’s chef earned a bronze medal in the Mystery Basket competition, demonstrating the hotel’s commitment to creativity and quality. Known for its international cuisine, the Sheraton continues to offer fresh and innovative dishes to both locals and tourists.
Experience Award-Winning Dining in El Gouna
These awards are more than just trophies—they’re a testament to the unique quality and creativity found in the kitchens of El Gouna’s finest hotels. Whether you’re staying at The Chedi, Casa Cook, Steigenberger, or Sheraton, you’re in for a culinary experience crafted by some of the best chefs in the region so make sure you give some of Gouna’s best restaurants a try.
With The Chedi’s gold-winning menu now available, there’s no better time to visit and indulge in this extraordinary dining experience. Reserve your table today and savour the flavours that have put El Gouna on the culinary map! Tel: 065 354 5162