Hit BBC Show 'Million Pound Menu' Is Coming to Egypt

As the food and beverage industry booms in Egypt, countless chefs are left with innovative culinary concepts, but no way to bring them to life - some have even turned to Shark Tank to develop their restaurants and culinary concepts. This is why the founders of Shark Tank Egypt have decided to bring yet another competitive funding show to our screens: the ‘Million Pound Menu’. 

Brought to you by IMPCO, the producers behind Shark Tank, ‘Million Pound Menu’ is set to provide spaces for Egyptian culinary entrepreneurs to bring their wildest food concepts to life. In a similar format to Shark Tank Egypt, the show takes on three aspiring chefs per episode, allowing them to showcase their culinary concepts live in a pop-up restaurant in District 5 by Marakez. For 48 hours, real-life customers and the board of investors can experience their restaurant.

“'Million Pound Menu' is a unique opportunity for Egyptian audiences to learn from some of the most influential figures in the F&B industry,” IMPCO co-founder Amr Mansi tells Scene Eats, “The investors, who are respected leaders and role models, bring valuable insights and strong personalities that viewers can learn from.”

The investors, who are simultaneously the board of judges dictating whose ideas get funding, are made up of some of Cairo’s most renowned culinary figures. The Lemon Tree & Co.’s Mirette Aly, Baky Hospitality’s Ayman Baky, Mo Bistro’s Mohamed Abdelhak, Eatery’s Omar Fathy, Buffalo Burger’s Loay Torky, and The Bakery Shop’s Sameh El Sadat will be making the decision to support only the most innovative and skilled chefs.

“The F&B industry in Egypt is currently valued at USD 9 billion and is projected to grow to USD 18 billion by 2029,” says co-founder and CEO of IMPCO Ahmed Luxor, “Our goal is to provide a platform for Egyptian talents to elevate their concepts to penetrate this market.”

“In Egypt, we've seen many F&B businesses struggle,” stories Luxor, “often starting strong but closing within a few months due to a lack of experience. 'Million Pound Menu' aims to elevate industry standards by showcasing how experts and industry leaders turn innovative ideas into successful businesses.”

Across 11 episodes, the show will tackle various themes and cuisines, each dominating a single episode. The chefs are asked to put on their creative hats and pull out the big guns, and by big guns we mean their most innovative, skilfully crafted culinary concepts. 

“I'm particularly excited to see Egyptian cuisine with a twist featured on the show,” continues Luxor, “This blend of tradition and innovation can offer a fresh perspective on beloved dishes, showcasing Egypt’s rich culinary heritage as well as the new ideas it can birth.”

Meanwhile, Mansi is excited to see the global edges chefs can accommodate, and how they would be able to twist cultural cuisines that they aren’t native to. “I'm particularly excited to see Italian cuisine featured on the show. It's a favourite of mine and offers a rich variety of flavours and dishes that can inspire both viewers and contestants.”

Besides providing extensive mentorship for the chefs themselves, the show will also provide entertainment for the general public - because everyone loves to see food content. The competitive edge adds a suspenseful air to the show, which, when manned by the culinary talents of our own country - potentially people we know - is even more meaningful. “The show promises to be enjoyable to all, showcasing the creativity and innovation that everyone loves in the culinary world,” tells us Mansi, “It's an industry that resonates with many, and people will be excited to see new food innovations.