To stand out as the most popular and influential culinary figure across the competitive Middle East and North Africa region requires an extraordinary depth of knowledge, visionary industry leadership, and an unparalleled public connection. At the 9th Middle East Chef Excellence Awards 2026, Elie Lteif, Culinary Advisor at Nestle Professional MENA, climbed to the highest tier of industry acclaim by capturing the coveted Gold Most Popular Chef of the Year award.

As an esteemed culinary advisor, Elie has masterfully shaped the region's food and beverage landscape, driving menu innovation, empowering hospitality brands, and sharing his immense technical expertise across borders.

His unmatched passion for flavor engineering, combined with an inspiring commitment to supporting the chef community, has made him a household name and a trusted guide for culinary professionals throughout the MENA region.

This monumental Gold victory celebrates a true industry trailblazer whose collaborative spirit, creative genius, and widespread popularity continue to set the ultimate benchmark for culinary leadership.