International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) Kolkata hosted the first Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) in their campus recently. Young chefs from 15 countries participated in the two-day event. Ashwin Nicholos Oon, Team Malaysia, won the Young Chef Olympiad 2015 which had representation from countries like USA, Spain, France, Switzerland, China, Thailand, Myanmar, Kenya, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Dhriti, a third year student of IIHM Jaipur represented team India at the event.
After the preliminary rounds, eight countries made it to the grand final of the event. These included Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, Kenya, France and India. Besides cooking skills, the young chefs were judged on creativity, hygiene, taste of the food and optimum utilization of the ingredients.
The distinguished panel of judges was headed by Prof. David Foskett, Head, London School of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London, UK, along with Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur of the Master Chef India fame, noted food critic and writer Chef Karen Anand, Celebrity Italian Master Chef Roberto Boggio, and Chef Shaun Kenworthy.
After the grand final, Ashwin Nicholos Oon from Malaysia was declared the winner, followed by first runner up Marcin from Spain and second runner up Tajinder from UK. The award for Outstanding Dish was given to Ian from Kenya. Ashwin, the 2015 Young Chef Olympiad winner, took home a cash award of US$10,000, and a gold medal.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman, IIHM Global and Chairman Executive Committee, YCO said, “I dream to put India in the culinary map of the World. I dream to create the awareness among millions of Indian youngsters to realise that Culinary and hospitality is the most promising and creative career. I dream of an India where like in IT industry the culinary and hospitality industry becomes a driving force behind our rising economy and I dream of an India who will produce thousands of celebrity Chefs who would conquer the entire world. We promise to bring 100 countries in the second International Young Chef Olympiad in 2016.”
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