Marbella is bolstering its reputation as an international culinary hub by hosting an exclusive International Gastronomy Gala on Saturday, July 12, at Puerto Banús. Sponsored by the Marbella Town Hall and the Junta de Andalucía, the event will take place at the marina’s Muelle de Honor, featuring renowned chefs Heba Kharouf and Zhao Xiaowei, celebrating culinary diversity and the art of share dining.
The Mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, emphasized that this event is not just about food; it represents a well-strategized approach to promote our locality in line with the Great Cities Tourist Plan. She added that “having two incredible chefs with extensive professional backgrounds will generate significant media buzz,” expressing gratitude to Puerto Banús and underlining the event’s importance for Marbella’s international projection.
Starting at 20:00, the evening expects around 300 diners and will include an appetizer supported by the Sabor a Málaga initiative. Juan Núñez, CEO of Puerto Banús, stated that “after four years of high-level galas, this year we wanted a more international twist, showcasing a culinary battle between Arab and Chinese cuisine to merge cultures through gourmet food.” Gemma del Corral, the General Director of Tourism at the Junta de Andalucía, noted that this event offers the international tourist promotion needed, especially in the premium segment, complimenting organizers for filling a unique space with rich content.
The evening will feature carefully curated dishes. Chef Heba Kharouf will prepare eggplant fatté, oven-roasted sea bass with tahini sauce, and the traditional ‘knafé’ with melted cheese, orange blossom syrup, pistachios, and rose petals. Chef Zhao Xiaowei, a leading figure in traditional Zhejiang and Jiangsu cuisine, will present caramelized lotus duck with acorn-fed Iberian ham, as well as ‘dongpo steak’, a slow-cooked beef belly with ingredients specially brought from China for the gala.
The night will be complemented with wines from the Descalzos Viejos winery in Ronda and will feature exclusive spaces offered by Roche Bobois, Paloseco, and Porsche, which will showcase its 911/Macan electric model. Additionally, the event aims to further establish Marbella as a magnet for gourmet and luxury tourism, in line with the vision of the Great Cities Tourist Plan. This gathering not only celebrates culinary diversity but also strengthens cultural ties between East and West, reaffirming Marbella’s status as a venue for international gatherings and fine dining.
