The hospitality industry in Pakistan has reached another milestone of global recognition as Pearl-Continental Hotels, the flagship hospitality division of Hashoo Group, secured top honours at the prestigious International Food and Restaurant Awards. This achievement not only underscores Pearl-Continental’s legacy of excellence but also reaffirms its position as a leader in delivering world-class dining experiences across Pakistan.
A Star-Studded Ceremony
The awards ceremony, held in Rawalpindi, was a grand event that drew leading figures from the hospitality and tourism sectors. His Excellency Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor of Punjab, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Prominent dignitaries, including Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism, and Mr. Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, were present. Senior executives of Pearl-Continental and Hashoo Group, ambassadors, and well-known personalities from the twin cities also attended, further elevating the prestige of the evening.
Representing the company, Mr. Bastien Blanc, Chief Executive Officer of the PC Hospitality Division of Hashoo Group, emphasized that these honours are a reflection of Pearl-Continental’s enduring commitment to culinary innovation, cultural authenticity, and uncompromising service standards.
Triumph Against Top Competitors
The awards were highly competitive, with celebrated names such as Mövenpick Centaurus Islamabad, Monal Restaurants, and Asian Wok competing for the honours. Yet, Pearl-Continental Hotels stood out as clear winners, sweeping multiple categories and reinforcing their dominance in Pakistan’s hospitality landscape.
The recognitions included:
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Best Pakistani BBQ & Grill Restaurant – Bukhara by Pearl-Continental
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Best Japanese Cuisine – Sakura by Pearl-Continental
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Best Continental Cuisine – Marcopolo by Pearl-Continental
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Best Executive Chef (Resorts) – Chef Mohsin Bahadur Khan, Pearl-Continental Hotel Malam Jabba
Each award highlights the specialized excellence of restaurant brands and chefs, who have consistently redefined fine dining standards across the country.
A Culinary Legacy
At the heart of Pearl-Continental’s recognition lies the iconic Connoisseur Collection — a signature portfolio of its flagship restaurants. The collection includes culinary institutions such as Dum Pukht, Bukhara, Sakura, Marco Polo, and Tai-Pan. Each of these establishments represents a unique cultural journey, combining authentic flavours with modern hospitality practices.
Dum Pukht embodies the heritage of slow-cooked Mughlai cuisine, Bukhara celebrates bold BBQ and grill traditions, Sakura is renowned for the artistry of Japanese cuisine, Marco Polo brings refined Continental dining, and Tai-Pan showcases the timeless mastery of Chinese culinary traditions. Collectively, these restaurants ensure that Pearl-Continental remains synonymous with world-class gastronomy.
Recognizing Culinary Talent
Among the standout achievements of the evening was the recognition of Chef Mohsin Bahadur Khan, Executive Chef at Pearl-Continental Hotel Malam Jabba, who was named Best Executive Chef in the Resorts category. His award not only highlighted his personal dedication to culinary excellence but also elevated the profile of PC Malam Jabba as a premier destination for luxury hospitality and fine dining.
Chef Mohsin’s work has helped position Pearl-Continental Malam Jabba as more than just a scenic mountain resort — it is now celebrated as a culinary hub that blends natural beauty with extraordinary dining experiences.
Commitment to Excellence
Speaking at the event, Mr. Bastien Blanc stated: “This recognition is a true testament to the passion and dedication of our culinary teams. From Pakistani BBQ traditions to authentic Japanese flavours and Continental classics, continues to set the benchmark for premium dining experiences in Pakistan. We are proud of our chefs, who embody the essence of excellence, creativity, and service that our brand stands for.”
These remarks capture the philosophy driving Pearl-Continental’s success: a relentless focus on quality, consistency, and innovation. Every award earned reflects years of training, investment, and a deep respect for culinary traditions.
A Symbol of Pakistani Hospitality
The international recognition of Pearl-Continental Hotels is not just a victory for one brand but for Pakistan’s hospitality sector as a whole. By winning against globally recognized competitors, Pearl-Continental has showcased the country’s ability to compete on the world stage. Its dining concepts combine authentic Pakistani heritage with international culinary excellence, making them attractive not only to local diners but also to international travelers seeking premium experiences.
Industry experts note that achievements send a powerful message: Pakistan’s hospitality sector is evolving into a global player capable of delivering luxury experiences that rival international standards.
Elevating the Culinary Arts
The awards also highlight how has contributed to elevating the status of chefs and culinary arts in Pakistan. By investing in training, international exposure, and creativity, Pearl-Continental has created an environment where chefs can innovate and excel. This approach not only enriches the brand’s restaurants but also helps raise the overall standards of the country’s dining culture.
Chef Mohsin Bahadur Khan’s recognition is one such example. His award symbolizes the professional growth opportunities provided by Pearl-Continental and how the company nurtures culinary talent.
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Strengthening the Hashoo Group Legacy
For Hashoo Group, the achievements of Hotels further consolidate its reputation as Asia’s leading hospitality conglomerate. By consistently raising the bar in dining, accommodation, and service, Hashoo Group ensures that remains at the forefront of Pakistan’s tourism and hospitality narrative.
The group’s strategy focuses on aligning with global trends while retaining local authenticity. This balance is visible in how Pearl-Continental restaurants preserve traditional recipes yet innovate to suit modern tastes.
Looking Ahead
As Pearl-Continental celebrates this victory, the company remains focused on expanding its legacy. Future plans include upgrading existing facilities, introducing new culinary concepts, and promoting Pakistan’s vibrant gastronomy to global audiences.
With international recognition now in hand, Pearl-Continental is better positioned than ever to attract global travelers, food connoisseurs, and investors interested in Pakistan’s growing hospitality industry.
Conclusion
The International Food and Restaurant Awards have cemented Pearl-Continental’s reputation as a trailblazer in Pakistan’s hospitality sector. Winning across multiple categories, from BBQ to Japanese and Continental cuisine, Pearl-Continental has demonstrated unmatched excellence and innovation.
Through its iconic restaurants, talented chefs, and unwavering commitment to quality, Pearl-Continental continues to inspire confidence and pride. This recognition is not only a victory for the brand but also a milestone for Pakistan’s culinary landscape, signaling that the country is ready to take its place on the global hospitality map.
