Kamal Mouzawak, food activist and founder of Lebanon’s first farmers market, Souk El Tayeb, wins the first Foodics Icon Award ahead of the launch of the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants in February in the United Arab Emirates.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is a globally recognized restaurant list that serves as a gastronomical credential. The awards were first launched in London in 2003.
For over 18 years, Kamal Mouzawak influenced the Lebanese food scene while promoting Lebanese culinary heritage as well as opening in 2004 Beirut’s first farmers’ market, Souk El Tayeb, a concept helping to produce sustainably.
In 2009, Mouzawak opened Tawlet. He also opened several restaurants employing Lebanese women as well as community kitchens and guesthouses.
During this prestigious ceremony that will take place in Abu Dhabi, on February 5th-7th, 50 restaurants will be evaluated by 250 voters across the MENA region. Each country will present its food heritage.
Among the participating countries: Lebanon, UAE, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.