Yasmina Hayek Named Mena’s Best Female Chef 2025 By Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants

Yasmina Hayek Named Middle East & North Africa's Best Female Chef 2025

Yasmina Hayek, the executive chef of the globally renowned Em Sherif restaurant group, has been honored as the Middle East & North Africa's Best Female Chef 2025. She will receive the prestigious award during the fourth edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, held in Abu Dhabi on January 28, 2025. This accolade celebrates outstanding female leaders in the culinary world and marks the first of three major award announcements leading up to the event.

Hayek has earned global acclaim for championing Lebanese cuisine while preserving the rich culinary traditions of her family. As the daughter of Em Sherif founder Mireille Hayek, Yasmina was raised in a household where cooking was a revered art form. Today, Em Sherif continues this legacy by offering authentic, refined dishes that pay tribute to generations of culinary heritage.

A graduate of the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon, Hayek refined her craft under acclaimed chefs across Europe. Under her leadership, Em Sherif has grown to encompass 24 locations across the Middle East and Europe, including Monaco, the UK, Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE.

William Drew, Director of Content for MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, praised Hayek’s contributions, stating:
"Yasmina Hayek's leadership at Em Sherif exemplifies Lebanese hospitality at its finest. Her commitment to excellence in refined dining has inspired chefs and delighted diners worldwide. We are thrilled to celebrate her achievements this January in Abu Dhabi."

Expressing her gratitude, Hayek shared:
"I am deeply honored to receive MENA’s Best Female Chef Award for 2025. This recognition belongs to the entire Em Sherif family, who share my dedication to our roots and passion for culinary excellence. For me, cooking is about more than food; it’s about creating a sense of belonging, where everyone feels at home, no matter where they are. In a divided world, I believe food serves as a bridge, uniting people through shared flavors and experiences. It’s a privilege to share the essence of my heritage with the world."

The awards ceremony, hosted in collaboration with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), will spotlight the region’s exceptional culinary talent. Additional awards include the Art of Hospitality Award, to be announced on January 7, and the American Express One to Watch Award on January 16.