El Gouna marked its 35th anniversary with the launch of Taste El Gouna, Egypt’s first dedicated gastronomy platform, designed to elevate the town’s culinary landscape and attract international gastrotourism. The platform debuted with “35 Flavors of El Gouna,” a four-day culinary showcase created in collaboration with Atelier Norbert Niederkofler Temporary, renowned for promoting sustainable cuisine and global culinary exchange, Invest-Gate reports.
“35 Flavors of El Gouna” brought together Michelin-starred chefs to celebrate 35 local ingredients sourced from El Gouna, the Red Sea, and across Egypt. Held from 19–22 November, the event featured premium dining experiences and interactive masterclasses led by acclaimed chefs and emerging talents committed to sustainability and local inspiration. The initiative builds on El Gouna’s dynamic dining scene of more than 100 restaurants, with Botanica—its newest seed-to-table concept—setting a new standard for green gastronomy.
Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna and Executive Board Member at Orascom Development, said: “As we celebrate 35 years of El Gouna, we shed light on what has always defined our town: its uniquely rich and diverse experiences… This marks the beginning of a culinary evolution that positions El Gouna as Egypt’s leading destination for world-class dining and gastronomic experiences.”
The Ethical Chef Norbert Niederkofler added: “What we created together with Taste El Gouna goes far beyond the plate. It became a cultural exchange between generations of chefs… united by a deep respect for nature and for the people who nurture its ingredients.”
The event centered on three pillars — Culinary Excellence, Sustainability, and Knowledge Sharing — brought to life through collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs. By highlighting local, seasonal ingredients and promoting ethical cooking, the initiative supports Egypt’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of farmers, fishers, and producers.
Italian Chef Norbert Niederkofler headlined the program, joined by Himanshu Saini (Tresind Studio, Dubai – 3 Michelin Stars); Daniel Hadida and Eric Robertson (Pearl Morissette, Canada – 2 Michelin Stars & Green Star); and Fabrizio Mellino (Quattro Passi, Italy – 3 Michelin Stars). Rising chefs Ariel Hagen, Tamara Rigo, Sara Aqel, and Turki Bin Hallabi also took part, alongside beverage experts Mattia Spedicato and Federico Balzarini.
Guests experienced a range of fine dining events, including a flagship dinner at Botanica, the Middle East’s first hydroponic restaurant. Set inside a greenhouse overlooking Fanadir lake, Botanica showcased a new interpretation of soil-free, sustainable dining. The evening concluded with the unveiling of La Maison Bleue Residences (LMBR), a waterfront development inspired by the iconic La Maison Bleue Hotel and marking the Red Sea’s newest luxury address.
As “35 Flavors of El Gouna” concludes, it establishes a transformative benchmark for celebrating Egyptian ingredients and culinary talent, offering an elevated and authentically rooted taste of the Red Sea to global audiences.