نخبة الطهاة السعوديين

SAUDI ELITE CHEFS

Saudi Elite Chefs returns to HORECA Riyadh and Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Riyadh for the second consecutive year.

Organized by the Culinary Arts Commission (CAC), the competition empowers professional chefs from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to showcase their skills and creativity in their field.

Indeed, the competition aims to highlight and reward Saudi talents in the field of pastry and cuisine, providing a valuable opportunity for contestants to gain recognition and experience under the supervision of an elite group of culinary experts.

On the program:
Cuisine category competition – 15 December 2025
Pastry category competition – 16 December 2025
Winners’ ceremony and talks - 17 December 2025

ALEX DILLING
Chef Patron
United Kingdom

Alex Dillingham opened his namesake restaurant in 2022 at the five-star Hotel Café Royal in London, earning two Michelin stars within six months. Raised between London and the US, he refined his skills in New York, Paris and London. Using classical French techniques, Alex creates modern seasonal dishes and has hosted international pop-ups with top hotel groups.

ADAM HANDLING MBE
Chef & Owner of Adam Handling Collection
United Kingdom

Adam Handling MBE is a Michelin-starred chef and owner of the Adam Handling Collection, which operates venues across the UK. He is one of the country’s most recognized culinary figures. Adam focuses on sourcing the finest seasonal British ingredients, transforming them into inventive and memorable dishes. His approach combines creativity and precision, showcasing the quality of each ingredient while offering diners a distinctive and engaging culinary experience.

ANTONIO BACHOUR
Consultant Pastry Chef
USA

Antonio Bachour is internationally celebrated for his innovation and artistry in pastry and is the visionary behind Bachour restaurants in Miami, Brazil and Mexico. Born in Puerto Rico, he began managing his family’s bakery at 13 and later honed his skills in Miami and New York at prestigious hotels and restaurants. Antonio’s hyper-creative desserts have been featured in leading culinary publications, and his latest venture, Mata Café by Bachour in São Paulo, reflects his passion, refinement and evolving style.

ANGEL R. BETTANCOURT
Executive Pastry Chef at The One&Only Ocean Club
Bahamas

Angel R. Betancourt trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, earning the GRAND DIPLÔME® and refining his skills under renowned chefs. Originally from Venezuela, he discovered his passion for pastry baking with his mother and grandmother. Angel has led pastry programs at luxury resorts worldwide, opened Materia Pastry Boutique in Mexico and contributed to Michelin-starred openings in the U.S. His work has earned international recognition and features regularly in leading culinary publications.