The first African woman ever to earn a Michelin star, Chef Georgiana Viou is a celebrated chef known for her free-spirited, multicultural cuisine rooted in her Beninese heritage and French culinary experiences. Originally destined to become a conference interpreter, she made the bold decision at 34 to pursue gastronomy as a self-taught chef, training alongside renowned chefs and in prestigious French establishments. Following her appearance on MasterChef, she gained recognition from Gault & Millau before earning her Michelin star in 2023 for Rouge in Nîmes. Today, she serves as Culinary Director of LʼAmi at Sofitel Cotonou Marina and continues to champion culinary education, mentorship and the development of Beninʼs gastronomic scene.
Awards:
| Chef at | L'Ami - Cotonou |
|---|---|
| Location |
Benin |
| EVENT | GOURMET ICON: GEORGIANA VIOU X PILAIPON ‘TOI’ KAMNAG X ‘BOY’ PIYACHART PUTTAWONG |
|---|---|
| VENUE | Spice Market |
| DATE | Thursday 1 October 2026 |
| TIME | 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm |
| PRICE | 15200 |
Embark on a culinary journey where the vibrant flavours of Benin, the Mediterranean, and Thailand come together through the creative vision of Chef Georgiana Viou, Chef Toi, and Chef Boy. Guided by a shared respect for heritage, ingredients, and the stories they carry, the chefs weave together their unique perspectives to create a menu that celebrates cultural connections, timeless traditions, and the beauty of culinary discovery.
| EVENT | GOURMET ENCOUNTER: GEORGIANA VIOU X HEROS DE AGOSTINIS X CHALEE KADER |
|---|---|
| VENUE | Guilty Bangkok |
| DATE | Saturday 3 October 2026 |
| TIME | 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm |
| PRICE | THB 19,200 net per person |
Three acclaimed chefs come together for a one-of-a-kind culinary collaboration that celebrates the intersection of heritage, culture, and contemporary gastronomy. Chef Georgiana Viou brings her Michelin-starred perspective shaped by the vibrant flavors of Africa and the Mediterranean, while Chef Heros De Agostinis presents his distinctive “mestizo” cuisine, blending Italian traditions with influences from Europe and the Middle East. Joining them is Chef Chalee Kader, the visionary behind Wana Yook, whose modern interpretation of Thai culinary heritage highlights local ingredients, regional traditions, and sustainable sourcing. Through a specially curated menu, the chefs create a dialogue between diverse culinary worlds, showcasing bold flavors, refined techniques, and the stories that connect people through food.
| EVENT | A SYMPHONY OF FLAVOURS: THE WORLD GOURMET BRUNCH PARTY |
|---|---|
| VENUE | Parichart Court |
| DATE | Sunday 4 October 2026 |
| TIME | 12.00 pm - 3.30 pm |
| PRICE | THB 7,500 net per person |
Every festival builds toward a moment worth remembering. The 26th World Gourmet Festival reaches its closing celebration, where ten of the world’s most celebrated chefs come together for a memorable gathering.
This is the crescendo of Worlds of Flavours, the moment every journey, every story, every distant world converges in one place. Heritage meets heritage. Fire meets finesse. Continents that have never shared a kitchen now share a table, and for one unforgettable afternoon, the world becomes whole.
Ten chefs. One celebration. One unforgettable symphony of flavours.
Menu