Edgar Hurtado Appointed Culinary Director of Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Four Seasons Hotel Doha announces the appointment of Edgar Hurtado as Culinary Director. In his new role, Chef Edgar will officially be overseeing the culinary operations of Hotel’s 11 distinctive outlets, including iconic Nobu, celebrated for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion; Latin-American Curiosa by Jean-Georges; and newly refurbished Elements Restaurant with an elevated concept of Mediterranean dining. Other restaurants include beach side Makani; Seasons Tea Lounge – the favourite of local patrons; and Le Deli Robuchon with its collection of sweet delights.

“I'm incredibly excited and honoured to step into the role of Director of Culinary at Four Seasons Doha,” says Chef Edgar. “This is an opportunity that I take to heart, as it allows me to bring my passion for food and creativity to life across our incredible outlets. My goal is to infuse each restaurant with fresh energy and new ideas while keeping the authenticity that makes them special.”

He continues, “What excites me the most is the potential to collaborate closely with our talented team of chefs, exploring new techniques, refining our menus, and curating experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests. I want every dish to tell a story, and every dining experience to feel personal and memorable. We’ll be introducing new events and tailored experiences that celebrate the diversity of flavours we offer, always with a focus on the highest quality ingredients.”

“For me, it’s about creating more than just a meal, it’s about crafting moments that bring joy and connection. I’m looking forward to this journey and to sharing it with our guests and our incredible team here at Four Seasons Doha.”

A creative chef with 20+ years of international experience in European, Latin-American, and Asian cuisines, Edgar Hurtado began his culinary journey in Lima, Peru. At just 18, he graduated from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Institute and gained invaluable experience at Grand Hotel in the USA, mentored by Chef Hanz Burtscher.

Edgar's career took him to esteemed establishments worldwide, including Ocean Reef Resorts in Florida, USA, Grand Hotel in Michigan, USA, and Pearl Harbor Luxor Hotels in Florida, USA. He also made significant contributions to Rosa Nautica in Peru, El Buey in Chile, and Carnival Cruises, refining his skills across diverse culinary landscapes.

In 2013, Edgar seized the opportunity to showcase his talent in Dubai, leading the culinary team at The Act Restaurant in Shangri-La Hotel. His tenure in Dubai expanded his repertoire and brought him into collaboration with the Trade Office of Peru, organizing culinary events that introduced Peruvian cuisine to the UAE.

Edgar's reputation as a trailblazer of Latin American cuisine grew during his tenure at JW Marriott Marquis, where he established Garden, a pioneering Latin American restaurant in the UAE. His culinary journey extended to Germany, where he showcased Peruvian flavours at the Sheraton Hotel in Frankfurt.

In 2019, Edgar moved to Qatar to helm Toro Toro as executive chef, where his culinary creations garnered acclaim and accolades. He collaborated closely with celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval to elevate Toro Toro to new heights in South American cuisine.

In 2022, Edgar has joined Four Seasons Hotel Doha in the capacity of Executive Chef overseeing the Latin American restaurant Curiosa by Jean Georges. Under his leadership, Curiosa flourished with its innovative fusion of Latin flavours and impeccable service, becoming a sought-after dining destination in Doha.

“My favourite dish to cook is ceviche; it holds a special place in my heart. Growing up in Peru, ceviche is more than just a dish; it’s a reflection of the culture and flavours I grew up with. I love how it brings together fresh, vibrant ingredients such as citrus, spice, and seafood in such a simple yet powerful way. For me, there’s always the perfect moment for a fresh, zesty ceviche. It’s a dish that not only reminds me of home but also has the ability to bring people together over its bright and bold flavours.”

Edgar is dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences, leveraging his extensive culinary knowledge to customize menus and engage with guests. His passion for food and creativity is evident in every dish, ensuring memorable culinary journeys for guests across all outlets under his care. 

“What I love most about my work is the ability to create meaningful moments through food. There’s something truly special about crafting dishes that not only taste incredible but also connect with people on a personal level. Whether it's infusing flavours into a new dish creation that reminds me of my roots, each plate is an expression of my passion,” he says.

“What fuels me even more is the collaboration with my team of talented chefs, and with our guests. Seeing the joy on someone’s face when they take that first bite or hearing how a dish transports them, it’s those moments that make everything worthwhile. For me, it’s not just about cooking; it’s about creating an experience that leaves a lasting impression and brings people together through the universal language of food.”