Category: Member News

Worldchefs Mourns the Passing of Chef Norbert Girnth

Post author By Julia
Post date July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025 – We are saddened today to learn of the passing of an old friend of Worldchefs and the greater culinary community globally, Chef Norbert Girnth. Chef Norbert has been involved in Worldchefs and spent many years coming to the Emirates Salon Culinaire since the inception back in 1993 and was an icon judge for the competition over the past 28 editions. This endeared him to fellow judges and competitors alike. Chef Norbert had worked in some of the most iconic kitchens around the world.

Chef Norbert is a member of the Verband der Koche Deutschland. He served his apprenticeship in a Michelin-Star restaurant in Germany and worked in Switzerland, France, Jersey, Channel Islands, and Morocco. He spent two years on the flagship of the Holland- America line: S/S Rotterdam.

Chef Norbert won more than 30 gold culinary medals during a distinguished career before retiring from active competition to take up judging. After some seminars about judging, he was a member of judging teams in Manila, Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai, Chicago, Iceland, Kuala Lumpur, Strasbourg, Basel, Gent, and Johannesburg. He was twice Host-chef for the national team of Australia during the cooking Olympics in Frankfurt and twice as a judge for the cooking Olympics in 1996 in Berlin and in 2000 in Erfurt.

Following two years studying at the Heidelberg Hotel – and Management school, he has, since 1970, been Chef-Patron at the restaurant that has been owned and operated by his family for the past two-hundred years.

Norbert’s smile and stories would captivate us all. To listen to the history of his culinary journey was inspirational.

To Norbert’s wife, Uschi, and his son – also a chef – Leif, we offer our sincerest condolences and thank them for sharing him with us over these many years. We are thankful to have met you both in friendship due to Norbert’s friendship to us all.

Rest in peace our friend.

Thoughts and prayers from from all chefs of the World Association of Chefs Societies.

Tags #ThisIsWorldchefs

Member News

Worldchefs Magazine Named Best Food Magazine in the World at the 2025 Gourmand Awards

Post author By Julia
Post date June 30, 2025

At the 2025 Gourmand Awards during the Cascais World Food Summit, Worldchefs Magazine was named Best Food Magazine in the World.
With 31 published magazine issues, Worldchefs Magazine continues to celebrate the unity, progress and passion driving the global culinary community forward.

Portugal, 21 June 2025 – Worldchefs Magazine, by World Association of Chefs Societies, was named Best Food Magazine in the World at the Gourmand Awards, during the Cascais World Food Summit, a prestigious event that took place from June 18-21 in Portugal.

The announcement was made on stage at the Estoril Congress Centre by Edouard Cointreau, President and Founder of the Gourmand Awards, who praised the work for its depth and cultural significance:

“Congratulations to Ragnar Fridriksson and the entire Worldchefs team on the release of Worldchefs Magazine Issue 30—a powerful celebration of the global culinary community’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and professional growth. This milestone edition, launched in the lead-up to the Worldchefs Congress 2024 in Singapore, beautifully captures the spirit of mentorship and inclusivity that is shaping the future of gastronomy. With its thoughtful stories and global perspectives, the magazine serves as a vital reference point for the collaborative energy that defines Worldchefs and its expansive international network.”

Founded in 1995, and with participation from over 200 countries, the Gourmand Awards are the only international competition dedicated to publications on food and drinks cultures. The competition is free and open to all languages. Each year, Gourmand organizes a global symposium in a location of notable gastronomic relevance, bringing together leading voices from the diplomacy, culinary, publishing, and cultural sectors.

Today, Worldchefs Magazine, with 31 published editions, continues to celebrate the unity and progress driving the global culinary community forward. It’s a tribute to the legacy of chefs past and present, and a snapshot of the many ways Worldchefs’ members are leading with purpose and passion. To read our latest edition, click here.

– END –

About the Gourmand Awards

Beyond the accolades, the Gourmand Awards offer a platform for sharing culinary knowledge and fostering connections within food & tourism professionals. These awards not only spotlight outstanding cookbooks, culinary magazines, and food-related media from across the globe, but also underscore the importance of culinary storytelling and its impact on food culture worldwide.

About Worldchefs

The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a federation made up of 110 national chef associations. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries years of history since its founding in 1928 at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier.

Representing a mobilized international membership of culinary professionals, Worldchefs is committed to advancing the profession and leveraging the influence of the chef jacket for the betterment of the industry and humanity at large.

Worldchefs is dedicated to raising culinary standards and social awareness through these core focus areas:

Education – Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the landmark Worldchefs Academy online training program, a diverse network of Worldchefs Education Partners and curriculum, and the world’s first Global Culinary Certification recognizing on-the-job skillsin hospitality;
Networking – Worldchefs connects culinary professionals around the world through their online community platform and provides a gateway for industry networking opportunities through endorsed events and the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo;
Competition – Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and operates the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge;
Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.

Visit www.worldchefs.org to learn more.

Media contact:

Olivia Ruszczyk communications@worldchefs.org

Tags #ThisIsWorldchefs

Member News

Cooking for a Greener Future: Worldchefs Sustainability Education Takes Root in Pakistan

Post author By Julia
Post date June 20, 2025

Over 15,000 graduates. Nearly 160 trainers. One global mission.

Worldchefs’ Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals curriculum is gaining momentum around the world, propelling the culinary industry towards a greener future. In Pakistan, this initiative is gaining traction through hands-on trainings led by chef-educators like Tahir Ali Khan, who champions cooking with the planet in mind.

He drives this mission with Worldchefs’ Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals course, a free program to help culinary professionals think and act sustainably. The curriculum covers essential topics like agriculture, animal husbandry, seafood, water and energy use, waste management, and nutrition. Available online in English and Arabic, as well as in-person in eight languages, the course empowers chefs with the knowledge and tools to lead change in their kitchens and communities.

Since becoming a Worldchefs Approved Sustainability Education Trainer in May 2024, Chef Tahir has delivered many sessions of the course to various communities. Most recently, he led three trainings between May and June 2025 at the Pakistan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (PITHM), a Worldchefs Education Partner, and Marriott Hotel Karachi, reaching nearly 60 participants. Two of these trainings were held on June 18, in celebration of Sustainable Gastronomy Day.

From the enthusiastic junior chefs learning the power of healthy and sustainable food choices, to the senior culinary students exploring waste reduction, energy-efficient kitchen practices, and responsible sourcing — it was a meaningful journey toward a better food future for all.

“I ensure engagement during these interactive sessions, with hands-on activities and real-life examples. Students react positively, showing enthusiasm and interest in applying sustainable practices in their work. They appreciate the practical approach and relevance to the culinary industry and their careers.”

Graduates of the course earn a Worldchefs certificate and digital badge, joining a global movement of chefs working toward a more sustainable future.

“Empowering others through culinary and sustainability education is my greatest recipe for success,” says Chef Tahir. “Watching students grow and flourish in the kitchen is the icing on the cake!”

Chef Tahir’s story is just one of many. With over 15,000 graduates and nearly 160 trainers worldwide, the reach of Worldchefs’ sustainability programs continues to expand, one chef at a time.

Read more stories from our trainers around the world:

Become a Sustainability Education Trainer Today

Want to join the movement? As a certified Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals trainer, you’ll be part of a global network of sustainability leaders, driving change in your community and beyond.

Learn more and apply at https://feedtheplanet.worldchefs.org/sustainability-education/.

Tags #ThisIsWorldchefs, Sustainability

Member News

Gulf Gourmet Magazine – June 2025

Post author By Julia
Post date June 9, 2025

In this issue of Gulf Gourmet’s magazine, meet Chef Udaya, winner of the Best Cuisinier title at the 2025 Salon Culinaire, learn about Foodverse, and more.

To learn more about Worldchefs, click here.

About the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG)

An Overview of the Emirates Culinary Guild
The Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG) is the association of professional chefs of the UAE. It is a non-profit-making organisation, organised by volunteers dedicated solely to the advancement of culinary art in the UAE.

The World Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs) (www.worldchefs.org) is the 105-nation fellowship of the world’s various professional chefs’ organisations.

The ECG received its charter into Worldchefs at a ceremony in Stavanger, Norway on June 28, 1994, during the Worldchefs 26th World Congress. Worldchefs endorses the ECG as the authorized professional culinary association for the UAE. The ECG, thereby, has an international culinary focus and multi-national support for the staging of its various competitions, seminars and events.

The aims of the ECG, broadly, are:

To encourage and inspire young chefs through training and competition.
To enhance internationally the culinary prestige of the UAE.
To encourage UAE nationals to consider a career within the hospitality industry.

Social media plays a large part in the Guilds self-promotion and the Gulf Gourmet magazine drive awareness around the globe. www.emiratesculinaryguild.net/, www.facebook.com/Emirates-Culinary-Guild-763644223697376/timeline/, www.facebook.com/gulfgourmet?fref=ts, follow these links for more information on the Emirates Culinary Guild.

Membership of the ECG is open to all of those professionally and solely involved in the preparation of food.

Anyone interested in the ECG please find their contact below.

The Emirates Culinary Guild
PO Box 454922 – Dubai – UAE
Tel: + 971 56 8014089.
E-mail: emiratesculinaryguild@gmail.com

Tags #ThisIsWorldchefs, GulfGourmet

Member News

Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2025 Showcases Asia’s Rising Culinary Stars

Post author By Julia
Post date June 4, 2025

The Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) 2025 returned with full force from 27–31 May 2025, alongside THAIFEX – Anuga Asia at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. As the country’s largest and most respected chef competition, TUCC welcomed 452 chefs from 9 countries, all vying for culinary excellence across 25 diverse categories.

Held in collaboration with Worldchefs, the challenge is globally recognised for its high standards in culinary excellence. This year’s edition introduced two new categories: the Asian Cuisine Culinary Challenge and the Asian Modern Freshwater Fish and Prawn Culinary Challenge, showcasing the region’s deep culinary heritage and creativity with local ingredients.

TUCC 2025 was evaluated by more than 40 Worldchefs-accredited judges, making it a premier platform for chefs to demonstrate their mastery in execution, technique, and innovation.

Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2025 Winners:

Best Ultimate Junior Chef: Phattharaporn Phooltuayad, Dusit Thani College
Best Ultimate Professional Chef: Natthapol Khunyodying, Chiang Mai Chefs Association
Best Ultimate Asian Chef: Thanaporn Korsuntorn, Bangkok University
Best Ultimate Pastry Chef: Saravut Tainta, Chiang Mai Chefs Association
Best Ultimate Establishment Award: Chiang Mai Chefs Association

With Gratitude to Our 2025 Sponsors

TUCC 2025 was made possible with the generous support of: Atlantic Chef, BR Group, D.A.P.P Uniform, Kimberly-Clark Professional, Lee Kum Kee, Newton Food Equipment, Makro, Royal Umbrella Rice, and VJ Group. Their continued commitment helps cultivate and elevate Asia’s culinary talent.

Save the Date

TUCC will return next year from 26–30 May 2026, promising more talent, more innovation, and a greater celebration of culinary excellence.

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/TUCCThaifex/

About Worldchefs Endorsement

The Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2025 was endorsed by Worldchefs. To learn more about endorsing your event, visit https://worldchefs.org/endorsement/.

Tags #ThisIsWorldchefs, Culinary Competitions

Member News

Over 930 Chefs Compete at 28th Emirates Salon Culinaire 2025 in Sharjah

Post author By Julia
Post date June 1, 2025

To view the press release on LinkedIn, click here.

Sharjah, May 2025 – Over 930 chefs competed in the 28th running of The International Emirates Salon Culinaire 2025, along with over 5800 visitors to the ExpoCulinaire.

The Emirates Culinary Guild would like to announce the successful running of the 28th Emirates Salon Culinaire (ESC) 2025 from 21st -23rd May 2025.

The competition was held at Expo Centre Sharjah, the home of ExpoCulinaire, alongside the ExpoCulinaire exhibition, making it an event with multiple activities happening simultaneously over the 3 days. The competition saw over 930 chef entries from the United Arab Emirates and 11 global countries, competing in 39 classes across all disciplines of the Culinary arts, including practical cookery, static displays, Emirati cuisine, cake decorating, and showpiece categories.
Worldchefs President and Guild founding member and coordinator Dubai-based Andy Cuthbert added, “This year’s competition was another sign of the growth of the culinary arts in the UAE; we introduced a new competition this year- the National Cuisine Challenge powered by TAAZA Ever Fresh and supported by Mr. Jeyaram, another competition aligned to zero food waste as guests consumed all the food during hosted lunched by counsel generals and dignitaries.”

Coupled with the return of the Sounbula Mills Artisan Bakery Arena, “The UAE has led the way with ExpoCulinaire 2025 being run alongside so many culinary competitions. We made the most of the strengths of all the individual parts of both events- exhibition and competitions to bring a truly complete food and beverage event to the Emirate of Sharjah,” said Joanne Cook, MD of Purple Kitchen Events. “To be able to maintain our commitment to chefs and education was essential. Our certified education sessions have become a pillar of the overall event, so delivering them in 2025 thanks to ICCA, DET, IRCA academy, Ecole Ducasse, and CIC was excellent added value for all our audience,” concluded Cook.

This year’s competition was powered by Foodverse, an end-to-end, app-based platform developed by Foodverse in collaboration with the International Centre for Culinary Arts, ICCA Dubai. From registrations to judging, the platform promises to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and credibility to the entire competition process.

Speaking about the innovation, Sunjeh Raja, Managing Director of ICCA and the visionary behind Foodverse, said, “Foodverse is set to become a truly credible platform for chefs across the globe. Not only competitions, but it’s set to empower the entire food industry and create meaningful opportunities for young chefs worldwide.”

The Emirates Salon Culinaire 2025 was endorsed by Worldchefs. To endorse your next event, visit https://worldchefs.org/endorsement/.

Tags #ThisIsWorldchefs, Culinary Competitions

Member News

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort Named Winner of the 2025 ACF Restaurant Challenge proudly Sponsored by Queen Professional

Post author By Julia
Post date May 29, 2025

Worldchefs-Endorsed Competition Showcases Global Food Talent at Foodservice Australia part of Food & Hospitality Week

The Australian Culinary Federation is pleased to announce the official results of the 2025 ACF Restaurant Challenge, held on 19–20 May at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), as part of Foodservice Australia during Food & Hospitality Week.

Over two days, eight teams from Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, and Uruguay competed in a live restaurant setting, preparing and serving a three-course lunch menu to guests and judges in a high-pressure, open kitchen environment. Each team operated a fully functional kitchen and front-of-house service—delivering a complete restaurant experience.

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort was awarded a Gold Medal and named the Overall Competition Winner, receiving a $3,000 prize. Their attention to flavour, execution, and team coordination stood out among a skilled group of competitors.

Coliseum 1921, Malaysia was awarded a Gold Medal taking out second place, Team Coliseum 1921 delivered bold Malaysian flavours with finesse. Their performance was polished, professional, and deeply connected to culture, earning them well-deserved recognition from the judging panel.

Team Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Winners

Team Levy Australia claimed third place, Silver Medal with a menu that celebrated premium Australian produce and thoughtful technique. Representing excellence in event and stadium dining, the team showcased calm focus and standout flavour combinations under pressure.

This year’s competition was officially endorsed by Worldchefs, recognising its professional standards and international reach.

2025 Medal Recipients:

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort – Gold Medal and Overall, Winner
Coliseum 1921, Malaysia – Gold Medal
Levy Australia – Silver Medal
QT Kitchen, VIC – Silver Medal
Uruguay Culinary Team – Silver Medal
St Vincent’s Care Team, VIC – Silver Medal
Fiji Culinary Team – Silver Medal
Young Chefs Victoria – Bronze Medal

In addition to their menus, many teams enhanced the guest experience by designing printed menus and elegant table arrangements, showcasing creativity and professionalism.

Service throughout the competition was proudly supported by hospitality students from Holmesglen, who managed front-of-house responsibilities with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Thank You to Our Judges and Support Crew
A heartfelt thank you to our judging panel, mentors, kitchen coordinators, and behind-the-scenes crew who made this competition possible. Your time, expertise, and support ensured a seamless experience for every team and helped uphold the high standards this event is known for. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere thanks to all sponsors who supported the 2025 Queen Professional Restaurant Challenge. Your ongoing commitment helps us create meaningful opportunities for chefs, showcase emerging talent, and bring the industry together in celebration of excellence.

Your support makes this event possible.

Andre Kropp, Head Judge, commended the calibre of competition:

“This challenge tested teams in a real-world foodservice environment, and they

delivered. The precision, creativity, and discipline across both days were outstanding.”

Karen Doyle, President of the Australian Culinary Federation, added:

“The standard of discipline from all teams was exceptional. Their ability to work under pressure while delivering a seamless experience for both guests and judges reflects the professionalism and strength of the foodservice industry.”

Media Contact:

Ms. Deb Foreman

General Manager / Secretary ACF

competition@austculinary.com.au

Tags #ThisIsWorldchefs, Culinary Competitions

Member News

Introducing Worldchefs’ Two New Recruits!

Post author By Julia
Post date May 13, 2025

Worldchefs is pleased to announce the recruitment of two new administrative staff:

Diogo Cardoso, our new Education Program Coordinator and Admin, and France van Maanen, our new Web & Digital Content Coordinator.

With two additional full-time employees, Worldchefs’ office team now reaches nine members.

Meet Diogo Cardoso – Education Program Coordinator and Admin:

Diogo is a skilled coordinator with a background in HR and education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. He began his career in the education system before moving into HR, talent acquisition, and supporting educational initiatives for a major UN partner in the non-profit sector. Most recently, he coordinated a hospitality Airbnb business in the heart of Paris.

With a global background, Diogo has lived and worked in Portugal, Brazil, Ecuador, and France and speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. At Worldchefs, Diogo will support our education programs, including Application & Certification Management, the RQCE Schools, Certification Center mapping, and Judge Applications.

Meet France van Maanen – Web & Digital Content Coordinator:

France is a digital communicator with a passion for sustainability and storytelling. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, France brings experience in content creation, website management, and digital strategy to the team. She has worked with organizations like UNICEF Student and managed social media for racing teams, combining creativity with a strong sense of community.

Originally from the Netherlands, France speaks English, Dutch and Filipino. At Worldchefs, she will supports all things related to IT, web, and digital content and products.

Together, let’s give a warm welcome to Diogo and France!

To view the full administrative team, click here.

Tags #ThisIsWorldchefs

Member News

British Culinary Federation’s Culinary News Magazine – Spring 2025

Post author By Julia
Post date May 6, 2025

In this Spring 2025 issue of British Culinary Federation’s Culinary News magazine, read about upcoming events, discover the latest stories, and more!

CLICK TO READ THE FULL EDITION

Tags Association News, Magazine

Member News

Gulf Gourmet Magazine – May 2025

Post author By Julia
Post date May 6, 2025

In this issue of Gulf Gourmet’s magazine, meet Otto Weibel, get ready for ExpoCulinaire 2025, learn about Foodverse and more.

To learn more about Worldchefs, click here.

About the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG)

The World Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs) (www.worldchefs.org) is the 105-nation fellowship of the world’s various professional chefs’ organisations.

The aims of the ECG, broadly, are:

To encourage and inspire young chefs through training and competition.
To enhance internationally the culinary prestige of the UAE.
To encourage UAE nationals to consider a career within the hospitality industry.

Membership of the ECG is open to all of those professionally and solely involved in the preparation of food.

Anyone interested in the ECG please find their contact below.

The Emirates Culinary Guild
PO Box 454922 – Dubai – UAE
Tel: + 971 56 8014089.
E-mail: emiratesculinaryguild@gmail.com

Tags #ThisIsWorldchefs, GulfGourmet

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Worldchefs-Endorsed Competition Showcases Global Food Talent at Foodservice Australia part of Food & Hospitality Week

2025 Medal Recipients:

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About the Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG)

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