Alessandra Banfi has been appointed as Executive Pastry Chef at Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay
Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay has appointed Alessandra Banfi as its new executive pastry chef, bringing onboard a creative force known for her globally inspired style, entrepreneurial spirit, and bold dessert flavours.
Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, to a Greek mother and Italian father, Banfi was immersed in diverse culinary traditions from an early age. Her passion for pastry began at just 12 years old and has shaped an impressive career across prestigious kitchens in Greece, the UAE, and beyond.
She has represented Greece at the esteemed Valrhona C3 competition in Paris and supported top culinary teams in both New York and Dubai. In parallel with her hospitality journey, Banfi is the founder of The Cookie Method, an online pastry and business school that has garnered an international following. Her debut cookbook ABC—a calendar-style recipe collection — sold out quickly, and her second book, focused entirely on cookies, is now underway.
Mentored by celebrated pastry chef Antonio Bachour, Banfi is especially known for her sophisticated chocolate work and beautiful, refined presentation.
At Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay, Banfi is set to elevate the hotel's dessert landscape with inventive new creations that blend high-quality ingredients with a nod to local Qatari flavours, says the hotel. Guests can experience her work at Ledoux and Peacock Alley, where she'll offer signature cakes, afternoon tea pastries, and seasonal limited-edition desserts.