Twin Stars, One Table: A Michelin-Starred Japanese Journey in El Gouna

There is a certain anticipation that sets in before an exceptional meal. It is perhaps the intuitive understanding that fine dining in El Gouna, at its best, can also become a process of discovery. At The Chedi El Gouna, that feeling begins long before the first course arrives. It settles in the stillness of the space, the peaceful vista of turquoise waters, and the quiet elegance of the architecture.

In April 2026, that setting became home to the Twin Stars Culinary Journey, a limited Michelin-starred dining experience hosted at NIHON by the Twins with Executive Chefs and twin brothers Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon. The event brought a highly refined expression of Japanese cuisine to El Gouna, adding a distinctive chapter to the town’s evolving dining scene.

A Japanese Fine Dining Concept in El Gouna

The Twin Stars have their roots in the acclaimed The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland, where The Japanese Restaurant earned international recognition. Their El Gouna residency brought the DNA of that fine dining environment to Egypt while adapting thoughtfully to local ingredients and the character of the Red Sea.

The result went well beyond what diners might usually associate with a Japanese restaurant in El Gouna or a traditional sushi experience in El Gouna. The evening followed an omakase format, allowing the chefs to guide guests through the menu course by course.

For diners exploring the best restaurants in El Gouna, experiences like this show the range of the town’s culinary scene, where international concepts can sit alongside local ingredients and distinctly Red Sea surroundings.

An Omakase That Unfolded Like a Story

We experienced the menu firsthand: an omakase journey designed as a carefully orchestrated narrative laden with emotion.

It began with dashi, the soul of Japanese cooking. This traditional soup arrived with a satisfying salty intensity, awakening the palate with umami and warmth.

A series of delicate sushi-inspired amuse-bouche followed. Coral trout, lifted by ponzu and crunchy green apple, delivered a welcome brightness. Then Nagel, a local Red Sea fish, was paired with Peruvian-inspired aji amarillo, introducing a gentle heat that was fruity and fresh.

The main meal began with a classic tuna tartare. The soft bite of bluefin was emphasised by crunchy radish, pickled Japanese ginger, and fresh wasabi, topped with vibrant microgreens. Deep umami and light acidity kept the dish balanced and inviting.

Then came gambari, one of the Twins’ signature dishes. Traditionally prepared with lobster, here it was reimagined using lightly charred local Red Sea shrimp. Miso-infused hollandaise brought buttery richness, complemented by crunchy rice balls and fried zucchini.

Hamour, sourced from local waters, was grilled and paired with sweet spring peas, lime, and a delicate dashi-based sauce. A touch of sansho pepper oil added gentle, almost floral heat.

The flavours deepened toward the middle of the meal. Quail breast was served with earthy artichokes, spring asparagus, and an intense jus, while a hint of rayu brought spice balanced by fresh chicory.

The climax was wagyu beef, perfectly seared and served with tiny wild mushrooms, charred Japanese leek, and a light vinaigrette. Richness, acidity, and umami came together in what the chefs describe as a “vibration” in the mouth.

Dessert brought the meal to a brighter close. Local strawberries were paired with tofu yoghurt mousse and a sharp sorbet, finishing the journey with freshness rather than heaviness.

The Chefs Behind the Michelin Stars

At the heart of the experience were twin chefs Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon, whose journey is as compelling as the dishes they create.

Having trained under Christian Bau, the three-Michelin-starred chef known for precision and discipline, the twins developed a foundation rooted in exacting standards and attention to detail. Each went on to earn a Michelin star individually before joining forces and achieving two Michelin stars together.

Their connection to Japanese cuisine is also deeply personal. Dominik Sato’s wife Yoshiko, a Japanese pastry chef, introduced him to a culinary culture defined by simplicity, purity, and attention to ingredients. Extended stays in Japan gave the twins a deeper understanding of the philosophy that continues to shape their cooking.

Japanese Technique Meets Red Sea Ingredients

One of the most distinctive aspects of the experience was the way the chefs responded to place.

Rather than simply importing ingredients to recreate dishes exactly as they would appear elsewhere, they worked with local produce and Red Sea seafood. Nagel and Hamour replaced Kingfish and Turbot, while Red Sea shrimp took the place of lobster in one of their signature dishes.

The result was a conversation between Japanese culinary philosophy and El Gouna itself: international technique shaped by local ingredients.

That balance is especially relevant to fine dining in El Gouna, where the setting, produce, and wider character of the town can become part of the dining experience rather than simply its backdrop.

A Michelin-Starred Moment at The Chedi El Gouna

The Twin Stars Culinary Journey was a limited-time event, but its significance extends beyond one week of dinners.

At The Chedi El Gouna, NIHON continues to bring Japanese cuisine to the town from its rooftop setting overlooking the Red Sea. The restaurant features a live kitchen and serves Japanese dishes in a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere.

For visitors looking beyond a single dining style, El Gouna’s wider restaurant scene spans Egyptian, Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian, international, and other cuisines across Downtown, the marinas, hotels, and waterfront locations.

That variety is part of what makes conversations around the best restaurants in El Gouna about more than one venue. Dining here can move from casual waterfront lunches to chef-led tasting menus and refined hotel restaurants, all within the same connected town.

FAQs

1. Where can I find a Japanese restaurant in El Gouna?

NIHON at The Chedi El Gouna serves Japanese cuisine from a rooftop setting overlooking the Red Sea, with a live kitchen and an outdoor dining atmosphere.

2. Where can I find fine dining in El Gouna?

Fine dining experiences can be found across selected hotels and restaurants in El Gouna, including The Chedi El Gouna. The town’s wider dining directory can be used to explore restaurants by cuisine and location.