{"id":71538,"date":"2026-08-10T09:30:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T05:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/?post_type=articles&p=71538"},"modified":"2026-08-10T09:30:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T05:30:16","slug":"chef-nobu-egypt-expansion","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/articles\/chef-nobu-egypt-expansion\/","title":{"rendered":"“It’s A Dream Come True”: Inside Chef Nobu’s Growing Vision For Egypt"},"content":{"rendered":"

Few chefs have cultivated a following in the Middle East quite like Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.<\/p>\n

From New York to London, the Japanese culinary icon has spent decades cementing his status as one of the most revered chefs and restaurateurs. Today, with 58 global restaurants \u2013 three of which are in Dubai \u2013 and an ever-growing presence in Egypt, the celebrated chef continues to deepen his roots in the region.<\/p>\n

Following last year’s opening on Egypt’s North Coast, the arrival of Nobu New Cairo marks the next chapter in the brand’s regional expansion, bringing the Nobu experience to one of Egypt’s growing luxury destinations. But for Chef Nobu, the launch of his second restaurant in Egypt is far more than just another career milestone \u2013 it’s a fulfilment of a lifelong dream.<\/p>\n

“Coming to Cairo has always been a dream of mine,” he tells GRAZIA. “I’ve always been fascinated by Egypt, ever since I was a child \u2013 I learnt about its history in school, and now that dream has come true.”<\/p>\n

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Photo: Supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sense of wonder has only grown during his stay in the city. Standing before the pyramids for the very first time, with Cairo unfolding before him, Chef Nobu describes the experience as something deeply emotional. “I have only been here for a few days, but I can already feel the energy,” he says.<\/p>\n

Drawn to Egypt’s heritage, Matsuhisa sees the country as an endless stream of inspiration. “I love countries with a long history because there’s so much to learn; Egypt is one of those places,” he reflects. “There is so much construction. So much movement. I love being surrounded by that kind of energy.”<\/p>\n

For the chef, whose philosophy has always been centred on creating memorable experiences, the launch of Nobu New Cairo marks the beginning of a meaningful relationship with the country. It’s an opportunity to share his culture while learning more about Egypt. “I respect every country’s traditions, and I love bringing different cultures, people and food together to create something as one,” he says.<\/p>\n

His ethos has always been fundamentally the same. Perhaps that’s why every Nobu location \u2013 whether Dubai, London, or New York \u2013 feels just as familiar. The Nobu experience is what has made his restaurants one of the most admired dining destinations.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the brand has become synonymous with refined Japanese cuisine, its true identity has always been built on warmth, quality, and connection: “I want people to come, enjoy eating and drinking, talk with friends and feel comfortable. Good food, good service and good energy \u2013 that is Nobu.”<\/p>\n

That philosophy has also shaped the way the Nobu brand has grown into a global empire over the past three decades. Rather than chasing rapid expansion, the culinary veteran has always valued a calculated, measured approach. \u201cMy philosophy has always been simple: do everything step by step,\u201d he says. \u201cWe never move too fast. We have reached this far because we take things one step at a time.\u201d<\/p>\n

And today, that philosophy extends far beyond the food-and-beverage concept. What began in 1994 as a single restaurant has since evolved into a hospitality brand spanning luxury living and branded residences. Transforming Nobu, the revered chef states that this transition feels entirely natural.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe started with restaurants, then hotels, and now residences,\u201d Matsuhisa explains. \u201cNow, I want to introduce the Nobu lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Middle East, and Egypt in particular, has naturally become a central part of Nobu\u2019s vision. Following the success of its two restaurant openings in the country, the brand now lays the foundation for its first Nobu Residences in Egypt, developed in partnership with SODIC (Sixth of October Development and Investment Company).<\/p>\n

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Photo: Supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chef Nobu explains that his collaboration with the regional developer was never just about brand growth, but about finding a long-term partner who shares his values. \u201cPartnerships are important because both sides must share the same philosophy,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s challenging to open new restaurants, let alone a new lifestyle concept. But having a good partner is already a massive source of support for me. That\u2019s why this partnership feels perfect to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

While introducing the Nobu experience in Egypt remains at the heart of this regional expansion, the celebrated chef is equally eager to embrace the surrounding culture. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue drawing inspiration from the country, even hinting at incorporating local influences into future dishes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would love to combine Egyptian food with the Nobu style and create something unique to Cairo,\u201d he shares. \u201cI\u2019d like to introduce that to guests from all over the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite having built one of hospitality\u2019s most recognisable brands, Chef Nobu remains humble about the future, letting time define his legacy.<\/p>\n

When asked what legacy he hopes to leave in Egypt, he simply says, \u201cMaybe in ten years, maybe twenty \u2013 we\u2019ll see the answer then.”<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what the future holds,” he adds. “That\u2019s why we will keep working with passion, never giving up and moving forward.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42726,"featured_media":71867,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[260,225],"yoast_head":"\n"It's A Dream Come True": Inside Chef Nobu's Growing Vision For Egypt - Grazia Middle East<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/me\/articles\/chef-nobu-egypt-expansion\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\""It's A Dream Come True": Inside Chef Nobu's Growing Vision For Egypt\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Few chefs have cultivated a following in the Middle East quite like Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. 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