Food is a truly global emotion today, having the power to bridge gaps across borders. In order to provide budding chefs with a taste of the highest global culinary standards, Kolkata’s Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management hosted the 8th World Food Competition from March 12 to 14, bringing celebrity chefs and international flavours under one roof
All photos by Amit Datta and courtesy Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel ManagementCelebrity chefs Sanjeev Kapoor, Ajay Chopra and Kunal Kapur judged the budding chefs, providing them invaluable feedback. ‘The students are in a very exciting space, where the industry is expanding exponentially. I’m overwhelmed to see so many countries coming together and giving their best in this competition,’ said Chopra
‘Students have much more clarity today about where they want to be, and easier access to knowledge. Food is a universal language, and I can see an explosion of talent,’ said Kunal Kapur at the event. Talking about Kolkata, (right) Sanjeev Kapoor said, ‘Kolkata always aces culinary competitions. Wherever I am in the world, I meet chefs who have studied from this city. My only advice to you would be to not follow, but lead wherever you go’
GNIHM student Pawan Singh drew the loudest cheers, bringing the second runners up prize in the Culinary Cooking category to India, with his creation Lazeez pasliyan made of lamb chops dipped in Awadhi smooth gravy, parwal ke patte ke pakode, and garlic and maida kheer! ‘My food was inspired by the late Padma Shri Chef Imitiaz Qureshi, and I am proud and humbled by this award,’ he said after his win
‘This event started off as a small initiative, but has grown rapidly over the years. It allows us to provide global exposure to our students, which will prove instrumental when they are placed anywhere in the world. The mentorship this competition provides is invaluable,’ signed off Simarpreet Singh, director, JIS Group, which heads GNIHM