Remember Young Chef Olympiad(YCO) 2017 ?? Remember the culinary extravaganza that the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) united the world with right about the same time last year ! Well if you don’t, click here and relive the experience and refresh your memory because YCO 2018 just got bigger and better !
The 4th edition of Young Chef Olympiad 2018 was back with a bang playing host to over 50+ countries ! After the previous three editions leaving its mark in the International Hospitality community, this edition was being anticipated more than ever and it reflected in the response that IIHM received from across the World.
The event was held between 28th January and 2nd February 2018 with the event opening in New Delhi, followed by a cook-off in Pune, Bangalore and Kolkata with the latter playing host to the Finale and Closing ceremony as well. The Judges panel consisted of some noted names in the culinary industry – Chef Sanjeev Kapoor was the Principal Judge and has been the IIHM Mentor. Other judges include Prof. David Foskett, Chef Andreas Muller, Chef Scott Baechler, Chef Ranveer Brar, Ched Abhijit Saha, Chef John Wood , Suresh Hinduja amongst others.
The Bangalore leg of the event was held on January 30th and saw participants from 10 nations competing for Round 2. The Contestants in this leg were from Group D which included the Countries of Iceland, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Ireland, Bhutan, Italy, Bangladesh and South Africa. The event saw these 10 contestants battling it out and exhibiting culinary skills of exemplary proportions. Here is a sneak peak on a similar Dessert dished out by these contestants.
The Bangalore leg also saw a panel discussion where the culinary experts shared their experience and advice for the students of IIHM Bangalore, participants and visitors.
After the cook-off, the contestants got a chance to unwind and it was a chance for students and media to connect with these talented bunch as well as their mentors on their experience.
IIHM Bangalore also had a ‘Bistro’ setup serving a sumptuous lunch to the much deserving folks present there.
The House Band ensured the mood was lively and the entertainment factor was taken care off.
The Contestants were all smiles after the tough day at work and were soaking in the moment.
And not to forget the wonderful students and staff at IIHM that ensure the best experience event after event. Some snaps with the students, the staff, the contestants and the blogging community.
The Olympiad continued with the cook-offs in Pune and Kolkata and after a thrilling competition the winners were declared –
- Malaysia takes Gold again this time with Lai Jia Yi lifting the trophy and the $10,000 Prize
- India’s Surya Sekhar Roy got the Silver home
- Kevin McCafferty from Scotland and Henry Lee from Hong Kong shared the Bronze.
And it was curtains down at the YCO 2018 with an incredible closing ceremony at Kolkata. Kudos to all the contestants and Congratulations to the Winners and Of-course, words cannot measure the amazing hospitality and arrangements by IIHM at all 4 locations and hats off for the concept of Olympiad which has showcased India to the World !
For more details on IIHM, visit their site – http://iihm.ac.in/
