Representing their respective countries and culinary teams, the world’s most promising chefs will experience four days of intense competition at the Global Chefs Challenge Finals during Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 in Abu Dhabi, 30 May to 2 June.
Let’s meet some of the Global Chefs Challenge competitors. Who will take home the prized trophy and title of Worlds Best Chef?
Chef Matthew Lee
- Country: Australia
- Position: Chef at Restaurant Dan Arnold
What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?
I believe the Worldchefs Congress and Global Chefs Challenge offer incredible value to chefs like myself, the opportunity to compete and represent Australia alongside leaders in the hospitality industry, a career-changing experience.
What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?
I would encourage chefs to be involved in local and international competitions to gain experience, knowledge, and confidence within the unique environment.
What is your favorite recipe to prepare?
My favorite recipe is cooking paella on the firepit with the amazing local seafood Queensland has to offer.
Can you share an inspiring quote?
“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” — My grandfather, Kevin Kable.
Chef Sam Van Houcke
- Country: Belgium
- Position: Chef and Co-Owner of Restaurant Maste and Mastel Bakery
What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?
Competing in an international culinary competition is a challenge. I love the thrill of the sprint in comparison with the marathon that Chefs do every day again in their restaurants. Being part of an international community is also a unique experience.
What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?
Go for it, give it your 100%, know that competing asks a lot of you (and your team) but one day your efforts will be rewarded, so don’t give up.
What is your favorite recipe to prepare?
Can’t choose. It goes from traditional pasta to creating new dishes.
Can you share an inspiring quote?
“A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.”
Chef Jan Horký
- Country: Czech Republic
- Position: Executive Chef at Hotel Nautilus
What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?
I look forward to seeing the colleagues we meet at world competitions. Of course, I’m looking forward to showing what we’ve trained.
What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?
Don’t underestimate practicing all the steps of food preparation. I’ve been competing for over 20 years. In that time, I know that without proper training it is impossible to think of a good result.
What is your favorite recipe to prepare?
I like working with fish, so any fine fish dish.
Can you share a fun fact about your career?
In 2018, I prepared a meal for President Obama and twelve other Presidents at the U.S. Embassy, selected from my menu at Golden Prague. I have also made dinner for the Spanish princess.
Don’t miss all the action at Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022. With the backdrop of this historic reunion event, the Global Chefs Challenge Finals brings the world’s top chefs and emerging culinary talent to test their skills on a global stage.
Register now and expand your professional bonds in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 30 May to 2 June 2022.
Learn more about the program and keynote speakers at www.worldchefscongress.org/speaker.
