The city of Alexandria will host, for the first time in Egypt, the final qualifiers for the African Culinary Championships in May 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, and the Culinary World Cup in September 2024 in Lyon, France. The qualifiers will take place on January 22, 23, and 24 in Alexandria, as part of a promotional tourism program prepared by the Alexandria Governorate and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Abdul Wahab Mohammed, the General Director of the Ministry of Tourism Office in Alexandria, stated that the city is witnessing promotional tourism activities implemented by the concerned authorities in the governorate and ministry, aimed at promoting tourism for the coastal city through the competition. He mentioned that in the closing ceremony, speeches will be given about the traditional dishes famous in Egypt in general and Alexandria in particular, highlighting the heritage cuisine.
Chef Mohamed Mostafa Al-Badwi, the head of the Culinary Association in Alexandria, mentioned that participants in the Egyptian qualifiers represent Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, France, and Turkey. He noted that the qualifying system involves dividing participants into three main categories: the first category "Hot", the second category "Patisserie", and a new third category consisting of young chefs who are final-year students in tourism and hospitality colleges or recent graduates.
He pointed out that the top four chefs will be promoted to participate in the African Culinary Championships in May 2024, which will take place in Marrakech, Morocco. There will be additional qualifiers to select three main countries and one backup country to participate in the Culinary World Cup scheduled for September 2024 in Lyon, France. It is worth noting that Denmark won the Culinary World Cup in 2023, and since the start of this competition in 1987 by French chef Paul Bocuse, Denmark has achieved 8 medals, including 3 golds, 4 silvers, and 1 bronze.
