Dhaka: Reeyana Rahman, a student of Diploma in Culinary course under the National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI) has won the ‘Ambassador’ award at the recently concluded International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO)-2021. She was mentored by Jahida Begum, a trainer from the same institute.
In the Ambassador Awards category participants had to write about themselves, their ambitions about becoming a chef and how they wish to further develop themselves. As a part of the competition Reeyana Rahman also had to prepare 3 Bangladeshi dishes in front of cameras at the designated kitchen studio.
As the competition was held and judged online, besides a star-studded jury panel each country had Country Judge for a fair and accurate evaluation of taste, temperature, flavors, consistency, and standards prescribed, all critical aspects in culinary which couldn't be experienced online. Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, and Pastry Chef of Dhaka’s Renaissance hotel were the Country Judges from Bangladesh.
The 7th YCO was formally launched on January 31 with the theme 'Forward Together’ and was held virtually in two rounds. The competition was organised by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council ( IHC), London. This year young student chefs from 50 countries from across the globe competed for the championship.
Lee Maan Ki from Hong Kong bagged the Gold Crown with prize money of USD 10,000.