Peruvian culinary visionary in ‘Voices of Qatar’ Series

Qatar Tourism (QT) continues to shine a spotlight on the nation’s diverse and influential talents with its ‘Voices of Qatar’ series as it features Peruvian-born chef, Edgar Hurtado.

Serving as culinary director for the Four Seasons Doha, overseeing its 11 outlets, Hurtado is sharing his unique approach to Latin American cuisine, deeply influenced by Qatar’s vibrant culinary landscape and his own dedication to ingredient discovery.

“The sense of taste is very important – the sounds, the aroma, the place,” he said, noting that it’s about creating a holistic experience.

The 'Voices of Qatar' series, accessible on the Visit Qatar YouTube channel, aims to celebrate local talent and their impact on Qatar’s past, present, and future. Through interviews and personal narratives, the initiative offers both residents and visitors an immersive perspective into the rich heritage and dynamic contemporary culture of the nation.

QT noted that the series explores behind the scenes with cultural changemakers across various fields, from master chefs and innovators to artists and sports champions. The stories of challenges overcome, triumphs achieved, and positive changes enacted are designed to inspire travellers to visit Qatar and witness firsthand the ripple effects of their contributions.

In the video, Hurtado, who proudly states, “I am from Peru,” expressed his excitement about contributing his distinctive flavours to Qatar. “We are always searching for new ingredients in Doha,” he said. “We have a lot of influence from Europe, Asia, Africa...”

He cited his admiration for Heenat Salma Farm, located near Doha, saying: "To see the vegetables coming out from the soil, it was amazing”. This connection to fresh, local produce is central to Hurtado’s culinary philosophy at Curiosa, noting that “this is what I try to do at Curiosa, with the food, with the flavour you will have a kind of explosion in your mouth”.

He believes his cooking shares a fundamental similarity with Qatari cuisine while meticulously highlighting the authentic tastes of Latin America: “It is amazing the options that you have here in Doha, discover a new flavour”.

Hurtado also credits his wife with instilling in him the importance of sharing his culinary passion. “My wife taught me one time, ‘You'd always need to share your way to cook, share my passion, it is a privilege, I love it’”.

Hurtado joins a roster of individuals featured in ‘Voices of Qatar’, including: Tania al-Majid (deputy director of Curatorial Affairs, National Museum of Qatar or NMoQ); chef Noof al-Marri (master of the Desert Rose Café, NMoQ); Amal al-Shammari and Shaima Sherif (directors, Embrace Doha); Mohammed al-Sada (pearl diver); Khalifa al-Haroon (founder, I Love Qatar); artists Maryam al-Homaid and Yousef Ahmad; street artist Mubarak al-Malik; rally champion Nasser al-Attiya; Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata (executive director, Earthna); Nada al-Sulaiti (founder and designer, Hairaat); Ghanim al-Sulaiti (vegan guru and eco-entrepreneur); and young explorers.