Dhaka: PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with Global College International (GCI) organised the "PATA YTP Chefs Competition" themed at "Exploring the Authentic Delicacies of Nepal" on December 18 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.

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 and introduced some authentic Nepali cuisines from diverse cultures and regions with innovative and professional hospitality touch by Young Tourism Professionals (YTPs), and Students from PATA Nepal Member Colleges.

A distinguished panel of Honourary 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.

Ruby Pudasaini and Sundar Sherpa from the Global Academy of Tourism and 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 Pasanga Lhamu and Sona Shrestha) and Silver Mountain School of Hotel management-SMSHM (represented by Sandesh Kandel and 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.

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.

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 organisations 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.

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 fourth PATA Youth Talent Quest had completed the four key competitions earlier in April 2021. Now it has concluded with "YTP Chefs Competition".

PATA Nepal Chapter will be organising the fifth edition of PATA Youth Talent Quest in March 2022.