MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants names Best...

Em Sherif's Yasmina Hayek shines a light on Lebanese cuisine

The Executive Chef of restaurant group Em Sherif has been named MENA’s Best Female Chef 2025.

Chef Hayek will be formally honoured at the fourth edition of Middle East and North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants awards, set to be held in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, on 28 January 2025.

The award forms part of the 50 Best organisation’s mission to honour and spotlight female role models within the culinary industry and represents the first of three special award announcements that will precede the awards evening.

Hayek has carved a niche by honouring her family’s legacy and championing Lebanese cuisine internationally.

As the daughter of Mireille Hayek, founder of Em Sherif, Yasmina’s passion for food was nurtured from a young age, growing up in a household where cooking was celebrated. A graduate of the Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon, Hayek further honed her skills working alongside chefs across Europe, including Mathieu Pacaud and Jean-François Piège.

Under Hayek’s guidance, Em Sherif has expanded to 24 locations across the Middle East and Europe, with establishments, including cafes and a deli, in Monaco, the UK, Qatar, Egypt, Kuwait and the UAE.

William Drew, Director of Content for Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, said: “This recognition is a testament to Yasmina Hayek’s outstanding culinary leadership at Em Sherif, which has become a beacon of Lebanese hospitality.

“Yasmina’s passion for crafting authentic yet refined dining experiences has inspired chefs and captivated diners around the world. We are thrilled to honour her remarkable achievements as we gather to commend the region’s finest culinary talents in Abu Dhabi this January.”

Hayek said of the accolade: “I'm incredibly grateful to receive this year’s MENA’s Best Female Chef Award. This recognition is not just for me, but for everyone at Em Sherif who shares the same commitment to our roots and passion for our craft.

“In a world that can feel divided, I believe that food is a bridge and not a wedge – and it's a privilege to have the opportunity to share the flavours of my heritage with the world.”

Other awards announced in the lead-up to the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards ceremony will include the Art of Hospitality Award, with the winner announced 7 January, and the One To Watch award, with the winner revealed 16 January 2025.

For more information, visit www.theworlds50best.com/mena

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