PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with Global College International (GCI) organized the "PATA YTP Chefs Competition" themed at "Exploring the Authentic Delicacies of Nepal" on 18th December 2021 at Global International College, Mid-Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
YTP Chefs Competition is a part of PATA Youth Talent Quest (YTQ), which is an annual event by the PATA Nepal Chapter as a part of its engagement with Young Tourism Professionals (YTPs) that provides a platform among the students from PATA Nepal Chapter member colleges to compete and showcase their multifaceted talents, knowledge, and skills. It aims to uncover talented young tourism professionals, and further empower them with the necessary training, involvement, and exposure to PATA Nepal Chapter programs and activities, and engaging them in the best possible way to carve their successful future endeavors.
The top 10 Students from five leading Hotel Management Member colleges of the PATA Nepal Chapter, including Silver Mountain, GATE, GCI, IST and NATHM, took part in the Chefs Competition introduced some authentic Nepali cuisines from diverse cultures and regions with innovative and professional hospitality touch!
A distinguished panel of Honorary Judges including Chef Govinda Narsingh KC, Chef Jeeten Pradhan, Chef Sunsari Nepali and Chef Bikram Giri evaluated arts of food preparation, cooking, and presentation skills demonstrated by the Students. The judges got impressed by the passion, preparedness and innovative thoughts showcased by the young students.
Ms. Ruby Pudasaini and Mr. Sundar Sherpa from the Global Academy of Tourism & Hospitality Education (GATE) were announced as the Winner of the PATA YTP Chefs Competition, whereas Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management-NATHM (represented by Ms. Pasanga Lhamu and Ms. Sona Shrestha) and Silver Mountain School of Hotel management-SMSHM (represented by Mr. Sandesh Kandel and Ms. Pema Tamang) were declared as 1st Runner-Up and 2nd Runner-Up of the competition respectively. The two winning students will be rewarded with an Exclusive Mentorship Session with Chef Santosh Shah and other inspiring rewards from PATA Nepal Chapter.
Mr Sunil Sakya (IP Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter), addressing the welcome remarks, said that this initiative by PATA shall bring "added value" for the promotion of Nepal as a promising destination for Culture and Cuisine beyond the mountains, and also for inspiring and building the future Nepali Chefs in the long run. He emphasized the need for the tourism industry to maintain food quality and service standardization, moving forward for survival and revival of tourism in contemporary situations.
Dr Dev Raj Paneru (Director of GCI) welcomed all the guests and participants on behalf of GCI and said that the GCI has collaborations and partnerships with over 50 organizations to ensure multifaceted development of graduates from GCI, wherein collaboration with PATA has been very productive and impactful for facilitating the necessary exposure and learning platform amongst Hospitality Students. He added that GIC looks forward to the continued support and collaboration from PATA for many years to come ahead.
Mr Suresh Singh Budal (CEO-PATA Nepal Chapter) extended a vote of thanks and announced the result of the competition on behalf of PATA Nepal Chapter. He informed that the 4th PATA Youth Talent Quest had completed the four key competitions earlier in April 2021, including Public Speaking Competition, Tourism & Hospitality Quiz, PATA Futsal Tournament and Content Writing Competition. It has now been concluded with the successful completion of the "YTP Chefs Competition", identifying the passionate and innovative future Nepali Chefs. PATA Nepal Chapter will be organizing the 5th edition of PATA Youth Talent Quest in March 2022.