Young Chef Olympiad brings talent on a platter

To give a boost to the young talent and make them acquaint with the latest trend in the hospitality industry, the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) and the Union Ministry of Tourism has organised a Young Chef Olympiad (YCO), where 50 student chefs from 50 countries will take part in a culinary competition.

The event will be judged by chef Eric Neo, the president of the Singapore Chef Association and executive chef at Intercontinental Singapore, chef Kunal Kapur and food critic Karen Anand.

ALSO READ: 27-year-old Cambodian engineer, MBA turns chef

Indian representative, 20-year-old Nisha Kumari from Delhi has competed with over 50 students to make through YCO. “I passed the entrance exam in Law but felt my real interest is cooking. This is the best way you can express yourself,” says she.

Nisha has earlier won a competition in food and, hospitality fair, Aahar where she contested against professional chefs. “This is a battle which I have to win for my country. I will tell people that Indian cuisine is innovative and the best in the world,” she said highlighting that there is a lot to be done in the food service industry.

“The world knows the strength of our food, still chefs are not given their due respect. More students should take up this profession and pursue their passion. We need more culinary colleges, training and latest techniques,” Nisha said.

An Indian-origin contestant from Australia, 24-year-old, Ashish John Abraham, said that despite the fact that his parents are successful doctors, they stood by his decision to become a chef. “While I did graduation in Commerce, I did different jobs and voluntary works before getting admission in an Australian college. It gave me right exposure as we meet and work with the industry experts.”

Another contestant from Romania, 19-year-old, Emanuel Mocan has been working as a chef for past six years. Though his parents own a hotel, but they made Mocan independent by earning at an early age so that he could pay for his education. “I won a young chef competition in Paris and realised that cooking is my passion. I wish to receive a Michelin star someday,” says he.

For more news on education, click here