Every year on October 20th, food lovers and professionals alike celebrate International Chefs Day, a tradition that started back in 2004. Worldchefs, an organization dedicated to promoting the culinary arts, uses this day to highlight the role chefs play in their communities, particularly by inspiring children to appreciate cooking and healthy eating.

This year's theme, Growing Great Chefs, aims to ignite creativity in the next generation of culinary talents. By promoting this profession, the campaign aims to nurture young cooks, showing that the kitchen can be a space for passion, innovation, and positive change.

In honour of International Chefs Day, we take a look at how television and cinema have embraced the world of cooking, bringing stories of chefs and food lovers:

Mat3am El Habayeb

One of the latest shows to dive into the world of cooking is Mat3am El Habayeb. This show quickly captured viewers' attention and is a perfect blend of comedy and drama. The show stars Ahmed Malek, Huda El Mufti, Intesar, Islam Ibrahim, and Bayoumi Fouad, with writing by Mariam Naoum. It takes viewers behind the scenes of a busy restaurant kitchen, showcasing the ups and downs faced by those working in the culinary field.

The show resonates not only for its humour but also for the insightful way it portrays the restaurant industry, touching on the struggles, relationships, and daily chaos that chefs and staff navigate. Mat3am El Habayeb offers a fresh perspective on how food brings people together and how the pressures of the kitchen can sometimes pull them apart.

Sagheera 3al Hob

The world of food and cooking has long been a part of Egyptian cinema. In 1966, Sagheera 3al Hob brought to life the character of Salah, an accountant with a deep love for cooking. The film, which starred legendary actors Soaad Hosni and Rushdi Abaza, was one of the first to feature a food enthusiast in a leading role, setting the stage for future films that would explore the art of cooking in different contexts.

Kharag w Lam Ya3od

In 1985, Kharag w Lam Ya3od continued this trend, with Yehia El-Fakharany portraying a character with a deep connection to food. The movie, co-starring Laila Elwi and directed by Mohamed Khan, provided a heartfelt look at the lives of food lovers, offering both comedic and emotional moments that resonated with audiences.

Foul El Seen El 3azeem

The comedy Foul El Seen El 3azeem, released in 2004, took the culinary theme differently, focusing on cooking competitions and the rivalry among chefs. Starring Mohamed Henedy, the film humorously highlights the lengths to which chefs will go to win, with the kitchen becoming a battleground of wits and culinary skills.

Tabakh El Rayes

Another standout film that captured the chef's life was Tabakh El Rayes, which was released in 2008. This movie, starring the late Talaat Zakaria, takes a humorous yet insightful look at the role of a chef working for the president. The film brings forward the intersection of politics and food, showing how even the highest office in the land cannot escape the power of a good meal.

Saheb El Sa3ada

The fascination with the culinary world isn't limited to the big screen. Egyptian television has also embraced cooking as a central theme, with several shows placing chefs and food enthusiasts at the heart of the story. One of the most memorable series is Saheb El Sa3ada. Starring Adel Emam, the show featured Engy Wegdan and Edward as chefs. This dramedy provided a heartwarming portrayal of life in the kitchen, with all its pressures, challenges, and moments of joy.

Bel Hagm El 3a2ely

In Bel Hagm El 3a2ely, Yehia El-Fakharany shines in the role of a former ambassador who leaves diplomatic life behind to pursue his passion for cooking. The show explores not just the art of cooking but the idea of starting over later in life, proving that it's never too late to follow your dreams. It beautifully combines family drama with the love of food.

Mawdou3 3a2ely

Another family dramedy that brought the culinary world to life is Mawdou3 3a2ely, starring Maged El Kedwany. Like its predecessors, the two-season series brings a comedic and emotional lens to the life of a chef, blending humour and heart. And we can't wait for the third season's release in early 2025.