MENA's Best Pastry Chef 2023

Karim Bourgi

The mastermind behind KAYU, CALLA, and OPPA is bringing his incredible talent to our kitchen! Known for his bold flavour fusions, he seamlessly blends French classics with Eastern influences, creating pastries that are nothing short of extraordinary

Masterclasses

Achievements

2001
Graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, one of the most prestigious culinary schools.
2001-2003
Began his career at La Cigale in Beirut, followed by Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées.
2004
Supervised the opening of a new Fauchon Paris branch in Abu Dhabi.
2021
Opened his first pastry shops, KAYU and CALLA, in Dubai, showcasing his signature creations.
2023
Launched OPPA, a gelato store in Dubai, reflecting his passion for diverse desserts.
2023
Received the prestigious title of Best Pastry Chef at MENA’s 50 Best.

MEET THE CHEF

Born in Senegal to Lebanese parents, Karim Bourgi moved to Paris at the age of 16. Now living in Dubai, he is multilingual, speaking Arabic, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese.

After graduating from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Paris in 2001, he began his career in Beirut at La Cigale, followed by a position at Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées. He then moved to Abu Dhabi to supervise the opening of the latest Fauchon Paris.

In 2021, Bourgi opened his first pastry shops, KAYU and CALLA, in Dubai, followed by his gelato store, OPPA, in 2023. This same year, he received the prestigious title of Best Pastry Chef at MENA’s 50.

“I adore orange blossom and pistachio, the cornerstones of Lebanese pastry. During my time at Fauchon, I created a date and orange blossom éclair, embodying the excellence of French pastry with Eastern flavours—a true example of cultural fusion!”

Currently, Chef Bourgi is the Head Pastry Chef for the Al Mana Group and the Regional Development and Creation Chef for La Maison du Chocolat Paris boutiques in the Middle East. His diverse cultural background allows him to embrace flavour fusions that blend French classics with Eastern influences, which are central to his pastry identity.

In addition, Chef Bourgi enjoys sharing his skills through consultancy and masterclasses worldwide. Having travelled to over 80 countries and numerous culinary schools, he teaches the techniques behind traditional French sweets alongside his own fusion creations.