Category: Industry Trends

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 Simo Oskari Pietarinen

• Country: Finland
• Position: Head Chef at Restaurant W30

What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?

After two hard years, to finally meet chefs from around the globe to network and mingle.

What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?

Remember your training and be yourself. Trust your assistant.

What is your favorite recipe to prepare?

My favorite recipe to prep is a good chocolate tart with vanilla ice cream.

Chef Balázs Adamek

• Country: Hungary
• Position: Chef at Restaurant Diófa

What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?

Being a maximalist in my work, I expect the best results from myself, the competition.

What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?

If you want to compete in an international competition, I recommend that you compare your skills in as many competitions as possible. Learn, improve yourself and trust yourself to be able to do it.

What is your favorite recipe to prepare?

I don’t really have a preference among the plates to prepare. I love all of them, just a bit more the meats.

What does competing in the Global Chefs Challenge mean to you?

It is a great honor for me to have this opportunity to participate, to represent my country and my profession in such a monumental event and top prestige competition. I have already participated in several international competitions, but the GCC is always the greatest challenge of my life.

Chef Alan Fitzmaurice

• Country: Ireland
• Position: Executive Chef at The Glasshouse Hotel

What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?

I’m really looking forward to the meeting and the comradeship between Chef and competitors.

What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?

Practice, Practice & Practice.

What is your favorite recipe to prepare?

More and more its simple recipes, with good ingredients cooked with family or friends.

Favorite quote?

“If you don’t give up, you can never be defeated.” – Rob Heffernan, Irish race walking Olympian.

Chef Marco Tomasi

• Country: Italy
• Position: Head Chef at Cucina Tomasi

What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?

I expect a lot of emotion and determination, with the hope of bringing home a great result.

What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?

Try to dream and chase your dreams. Sacrifice and hard work always pay off.

What is your favorite recipe to prepare?

All those dishes linked to traditions and family, as well as rich in taste; full of love, memories and emotions.

What is your source of inspiration?

My source of inspiration is my grandfather Alberto Tomasi. He is 82 years old and he is a carving chef. Even today he continues to challenge himself, because in life you never stop learning.

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.

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.

Nicolas Decloedt is bringing plant-based cuisine to new heights. Awarded a Michelin Green Star in 2021 and voted Best Vegetable Chef of 2019 by the renowned culinary guide Gault & Millau, his restaurant humus x hortense was voted the world’s Best Vegan Restaurant, ranks 9 of the Top 100 Best Vegetables Restaurants worldwide by We’re Smart World, and was awarded with 3 toques by Good Food (Brussels), the highest achievement for a sustainable restaurant.

At Worldchefs Congress 2022, he’s bringing a love for nature to the table, showing how vegetable and plant varieties can offer a wealth of inspiration.

Tell us a bit about your cooking demo, Evolution in the Future of Gastronomy: We’re Smart Green Guide:

We will reveal how we work with vegetables and how we bring them to another level.

Why should chefs attend Worldchefs Congress 2022?

To broaden their horizon.

What advice do you have for young chefs today?

Be curious. No prejudices.

Any final words of wisdom?

“If it is worth the going, it is worth the ride.” – Tom Waits

Don’t miss the biennial event for industry leaders and culinary innovators. Register now for Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and expand your professional bonds in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 30 May to 2 June 2022.

Learn more about Chris and our other keynote speakers at www.worldchefscongress.org/speaker.

Christopher Koetke is an umami expert and so much more. For well over 3 decades. He’s worked in some of the finest kitchens in the US, France, and Switzerland, and taught at world-class institutions around the globe.

At Worldchefs Congress 2022, he’s taking us through the intersection of science and taste to demystify this often misunderstood 5th taste.

Tell us a bit about your presentation, Harnessing the Art and Science of Umami to Make Superlative Cuisine.

While umami is our fifth taste, it is less commonly understood than the other 4 basic tastes. At the same time, it has significant potential to unleash new and deeper levels of flavor in your cuisine.  Join me for an in-depth look at the science behind umami and the art of using it consciously and in balance with other tastes. This presentation will deepen your knowledge of umami and provide ideas and insight for your cooking.

What will be the key takeaways?

• the science behind umami
• the art of balancing umami with other flavors
• how to unleash new and deeper levels of flavor in your cooking

Why should chefs attend Worldchefs Congress 2022?

It has simply been too long since we have all been together. We crave human connection and seeing friends and colleagues in person and not via zoom. It is also a great opportunity to learn from true experts and deepen the knowledge of our global impact.

What advice do you have for young chefs today?

Talk to everyone! Introduce yourself. You will see that there are many professionals who are deeply committed to your success and are happy to provide guidance, etc. Get lots of business cards and follow them up after the Congress. 

Any final words of wisdom?

We need to always keep a focus on sustainability and act as professionals. With every passing day, it is more urgent.

Don’t miss the biennial event for industry leaders and culinary innovators. Register now for Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and expand your professional bonds in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 30 May to 2 June 2022.

Learn more about Chris and our other keynote speakers at www.worldchefscongress.org/speaker.

Shaun Payen is one of the youngest people on the planet to achieve the title of Distinguished Toastmaster–the highest level award in the world of Public Speaking.

At Worldchefs Congress 2022, he’ll deliver a masterclass in public speaking to help you tap into the skills and confidence needed to be a stronger speaker, listener, and leader.

You’ve helped people around the globe, from politicians to students, overcome their fears of public speaking and own the stage. What can we expect from your Congress presentation, Master the Art of Public Speaking?

Using the lessons of public speaking, you can show the world your true potential. I’ll teach you how to make your speeches less boring and more impactful, and how to apply the art of public speaking to every situation.

What will be the key takeaways?

• overcoming your nerves
• fostering the art of persuasion
• making an impact to advance your career

Why should chefs attend Worldchefs Congress 2022?

They will benefit from meeting world-class professionals in their field. They will be able to have a personal interaction which can only bring a boost to their career.

What advice do you have for young chefs today?

To believe in the nobility of their profession. They are the reason why people leave with a smile after a delicious plate.

Can you close us out with your favorite inspirational quote?

“If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” –Marc Anthony

Don’t miss the biennial event for industry leaders and culinary innovators. Register now for Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and expand your professional bonds in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 30 May to 2 June 2022.

Learn more about Shaun and our other keynote speakers at www.worldchefscongress.org/speaker.

Edgar Buhrs always knew he wanted to be a chef. In his father’s butchery he couldn’t reach the counter, but standing on an upturned milk crate he gladly helped out with rolling the homemade croquettes. Since then he has ‘spiced up the world’ with magnificent dishes, challenging combinations of ingredients and techniques.

At this Worldchefs Congress 2022, he shares his expertise, passion, and humor to inspire you to grab your pots and pans for his favorite ingredient: veal.

You’ll be teaming up with Patricia van Krieken of VanDrie Group and Jan Snijders–butcher, teacher, and first Dutch Senior Welfare Officer–for a demonstration cleverly entitled Veal Meet Again. What can we expect?

We’ll explain why it is important to know which part of veal is where and what culinary applications are possible. I’ll bring my secrets from cheffing around the globe, along with expert tips from a master butcher, to elevate your recipes with veal.

What will be the key takeaways?

• The main purpose of the presentation is to teach more about veal cuts and their applications.

Why should chefs attend Worldchefs Congress 2022?

As a chef, you want to meet fellow professionals to exchange experiences, be inspired, and increase your professional knowledge in a safe and inspiring environment, and that is possible at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022.

What advice do you have for young chefs today?

Try as much as possible, investigate, go ahead within the limitations and open yourself up to others.

Don’t miss the biennial event for industry leaders and culinary innovators. Register now for Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and expand your professional bonds in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 30 May to 2 June 2022.

Learn more about Edgar and our other keynote speakers at www.worldchefscongress.org/speaker.