This marks a first-time win for the UAE and the Middle East at the World Food Championships in a competitive category!
Dubai, UAE- The World Food Championships (WFC) has crowned its first-ever UAE-based winner in the Burger Competition category, a historic achievement for the Middle East. On November 14th, in Indianapolis, the WFC’s global stage witnessed a triumph as Hassan Naja’s “One More” burger secured first place with its exceptional flavours and innovative design.
This milestone victory stems from the regional WFC MENA competition, held earlier this year in Dubai and organised by Cucina del Sul, the driving force behind the region’s growing presence in global food sports. Co-founders Ola El Jaroudi and Tarek Sultani have played a pivotal role in fostering culinary talent and creating opportunities for cooks and chefs to showcase their skills. Their unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and innovation is reflected in the success stories emerging from their events, including this landmark win.
Ola El Jaroudi shared her excitement: “Hassan’s win is a testament to the immense culinary talent in our region. At Cucina del Sul, we’re proud to provide a platform that allows chefs and food enthusiasts to showcase their skills on the world stage. This is just the beginning of more incredible stories to come.”
Hassan Naja, supported by two skilled chefs on his team, dedicated over a year to perfecting the recipe for his award-winning creation. His meticulous testing and tasting sessions brought the “One More” burger to life, showcasing a combination of bold flavours and precise execution.
The World Food Championships is the largest food sports competition globally, drawing thousands of participants from nearly 40 countries across twelve categories. Since its inception in 2012, WFC has become a culinary phenomenon, uniting amateur and professional chefs in their quest for food, fame, and fortune.
WFC MENA has transformed Dubai into a hotspot for food sports, attracting top chefs, passionate cooks, and renowned restaurateurs to compete and showcase Middle Eastern culinary innovation. This platform has given rise to incredible stories of culinary success, such as Sultan Chatila, a Dubai-based supper club host who placed third in the WFC’s Burger Competition category in 2022. Following a series of pop-up events organised by Cucina del Sul, Chatila went on to open Eleven Green, a popular burger bistro that has since become a beloved spot for burger aficionados.
With initiatives like these, WFC MENA continues to elevate the region’s culinary landscape, providing a springboard for local talent to achieve global recognition.
The Journey from MENA to Global Recognition
Cucina del Sul’s WFC MENA competition served as the springboard for this monumental win, showcasing exceptional talent and celebrating the diversity of Middle Eastern culinary innovation. This year’s standout participants included:
- Ammar Alhasan (Team Bahrain): Competing in the World Sandwich Championship, Ammar represents Bahrain with pride, combining culinary artistry with a passion for innovation.
- Eric Lee (Team UAE): Owner of Ugly Burger and Ugly Noodles, Eric competes in the World Noodle Championship, blending street food mastery with entrepreneurial flair.
- Suma Nair (Team UAE): A prominent vegetarian chef, Suma’s reimagined recipes redefine traditional cuisine in the World Vegetarian Championship.
- Natalia Bertolucci (Team Brazil): Based in Dubai, Natalia competes in the World Dessert Championship, showcasing her pastry expertise and international finesse.
Experience the Flavors Firsthand
Food lovers can soon savour the award-winning “One More” burger at a series of pop-up events organised by Cucina del Sul across Dubai. These events will offer an exclusive chance to taste the culinary creations that earned the region its accolades.
