In what is probably one of the biggest cooking competitions across the entire African continent, the 2024 African Culinary Cup brought together the best young African chefs head to head in a sizzling face-off. From Mauritius to South Africa, the competition was hot, but Egypt rose to the top, earning the first-place spot for the second time.
Today, we are placing the winning Egyptian team in the spotlight through a fun conversation with Top Chef All-Star Kareem Atef, who was one of the contestants in the culinary cup. Let’s dive behind the scenes for a flavorful journey of passion, teamwork, and, of course, amazing food!
The Team’s Recipe For Success
Atef jumped right in and gave us the inside scoop on how his team rose to the top, not once but twice. Behind Egypt’s back-to-back victories lies a meticulous months-long process akin to adding beads to an endless string.
To prepare for the culinary cup, the team first sat together and planned out the entire menu, making sure each dish was designed to reflect Egyptian culture while incorporating innovative techniques to stand out to international judges.
“Once we finalize our concept, we begin sourcing the best ingredients,” Atef said, referring to a heavy experimentation process of testing different ingredients to see what works best.
Imagine a lot of cooking and re-cooking of everything from seafood like shrimp and Nile perch to Egyptian staples like preserved lemon and cumin. Every element is carefully sourced and tested to perfection.
Competing at this level isn’t just about cooking—it’s a mental and physical marathon. Atef told us about how the team had to learn how to stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions when things go wrong, like when a blast chiller malfunctioned during their second win. Thanks to their adaptability, they pulled through!
What’s On the Plate?
When it comes to competitions, Atef and his team don’t just play it safe—they push boundaries. Their dishes are a fusion of iconic Egyptian ingredients and modern techniques. Here are some mouth-watering highlights:
Starters:
- Nile perch with octopus
- Pan-seared seabass with shrimp curry stew
- Airated coriander foam with chickpea purée
Main Course:
- Beef tenderloin dipped in dukkah
- Chicken with pastrami mousseline and moussaka eggplant
Dessert:
- Dark chocolate mousse sprayed with white chocolate
- Mango-carrot salsa with mint green tea ice cream
By combining the flavors of Egypt’s culinary heritage with a modern twist, the team creates unforgettable dishes that capture the essence of Egypt while pushing creative boundaries.
How Did They Win Twice?
Winning once is impressive—but winning twice is something else! What set Atef’s team apart? It all comes down to a mix of meticulous preparation, innovative techniques, and strong team dynamics.
They not only learned from their first win but also improved upon it by refining their presentation, experimenting with bolder flavors, and incorporating cutting-edge techniques like molecular gastronomy.
Of course, teamwork made all the difference. Atef emphasizes that their ability to work together as a cohesive unit—especially in stressful moments—was a key factor in securing both victories.
What’s Next For Chef Kareem?
After two massive wins, what’s next for Egypt’s culinary kingpin? Atef plans to continue evolving his approach, further pushing the boundaries of Egyptian cuisine while remaining deeply connected to its roots.
His next goal? To take Egyptian cuisine even further onto the global stage, showcasing its unique blend of history, culture, and flavor.
As for his team’s future, Atef is already considering new challenges and competitions. He strongly desires to keep representing Egypt and its rich culinary traditions.
