By Sobia Ali
A five-course gala dinner at Avari Towers on Saturday evening marked the opening of Good France / Goût de France 2026 in Karachi, celebrating French gastronomy through culinary experiences, special menus and cultural activities. The festival will continue until November 8.
Alliance Française de Karachi organised the event with the support of the Embassy of France in Pakistan and Nestlé Professional. Visiting French chef Maxime Delaboudinière prepared the gala dinner, which was priced at Rs17,000 per person.
The gathering attracted Avari Towers’ Cluster General Manager, diplomats from Germany, Italy and Russia, and prominent members of Karachi’s social and business communities.
French Culinary Festival Opens With Media Briefing
Earlier in the evening, organisers held a press briefing at Avari Towers at 5:30pm to introduce the festival and outline its programme.
Marc Piton, Head of the Cultural Department at the French Embassy, opened the briefing. Philippe Duclerc, Head of Avari Towers Karachi, introduced the hotel, while Emmanuel Breurec, Director of Alliance Française de Karachi, explained the festival’s objectives and activities.
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The initiative aims to promote French culinary traditions and strengthen cultural connections through gastronomy.
Good France Celebrates French Cuisine Worldwide
France launched Good France / Goût de France in 2015 through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with renowned chef Alain Ducasse.
During its inaugural edition, more than 1,300 restaurants across approximately 150 countries served French-inspired menus on the same day, creating a global celebration of French culinary heritage.
Since then, French embassies and Alliances Françaises worldwide have organised local editions, bringing French gastronomy to international audiences through restaurants, culinary events and professional exchanges.
Visiting French Chef Brings Two Decades of Experience
Chef Maxime Delaboudinière brings nearly 20 years of culinary experience to Karachi.
During his career, he has worked at several Parisian establishments, including Le Bon Georges, Le Cochon Gaulois and Le Métropolitain.
Since June 2024, he has served as Executive Chef and Director of Restaurant Duvin, a Parisian bistro.
His visit to Pakistan also includes professional and culinary activities designed to introduce local audiences and hospitality professionals to French cooking techniques.
The programme includes visits to Karachi’s local fish market and Empress Market, a live cooking show on Hum Masala TV and a workshop with the Pakistan Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management.
Five Karachi Restaurants Join French Gastronomy Week
French Gastronomy Week will run from November 1 to 8, with five Karachi restaurants offering special French-inspired menus.
The participating establishments are:
- Côte Rôtie
- PAUL Bakery & Café
- Feyaa
- Okra
- Olive Tree Bistro
The special menus will provide diners with opportunities to explore French culinary traditions throughout the festival.
Through the gala dinner, restaurant participation and professional workshops, Good France / Goût de France 2026 seeks to celebrate French gastronomy while strengthening culinary and cultural engagement between France and Pakistan.
