École Ducasse, a global leader in culinary and pastry arts education founded by renowned Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, is set to open a new campus in Cairo by late 2025. This initiative is part of a strategic partnership with Reliance Egypt, marking a significant milestone in Egypt's growing fine dining and gastronomic sector.
The new campus, named École Ducasse Cairo Studio, will provide aspiring chefs and culinary enthusiasts from Egypt and the region access to world-class training. Designed to combine tradition with innovation, the Cairo Studio will offer programmes crafted by École Ducasse experts. These range from short cooking and pastry classes to advanced masterclasses, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience tailored for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
The École Ducasse Cairo Studio will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including modern training kitchens, pastry labs, and demonstration rooms. These spaces will not only provide hands-on learning opportunities but also host workshops and culinary events, fostering a creative environment for students and professionals.
On the occasion, Alain Ducasse shared “As a fond admirer of Mediterranean culture I look forward to initiating a fruitful dialogue between French and Egyptian cuisine. We are proud to contribute to the blossoming of talents and give Egyptian cuisine the place it deserves.”
Karine Hyon-Vintrou, Managing Director of École Ducasse, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are incredibly excited to bring the École Ducasse experience to Egypt, a country with a rich and vibrant food culture. Our goal is to provide aspiring chefs and gastronomy professionals with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to excel in the global gastronomical scene. The Cairo Studio will embody the spirit of excellence and innovation that Ecole Ducasse is known for, while also honouring the local traditions of Egypt."
Moheb Kassabgui, Reliance Egypt Director, added, “We are very proud to be working with Chef Alain Ducasse and his team to bring world-class culinary training to Egypt. We look forward to seeing the future generation of chefs that this partnership will create and the positive impact this will have on Egypt’s culinary scene”.
The curriculum will emphasise technical skills, creativity, entrepreneurship, and individual culinary expression. With an experienced faculty and partnerships with top local and international chefs, students will gain mentorship, internships, and global career placement opportunities.
In line with the École Ducasse philosophy, the Cairo Studio will celebrate Egyptian culinary heritage by incorporating local ingredients and traditions into its programs. This integration aims to elevate Egyptian cuisine while offering students a unique blend of international techniques and regional flavours.