Bocuse d’Or and Dilmah collaborate in celebrating Sri Lanka’s best young Chefs

Bocuse d' Or Sri Lanka and principal partner Dilmah Tea have collaborated to encourage Sri Lankan Chefs since the prestigious challenge made its Sri Lankan debut in 2012. Uplifting culinary standards in the country through the participation of Chefs and their apprentices in the global contest initiated by iconic Chef Paul Bocuse, is key to strengthening the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka and opportunities for Sri Lankans in the sector, Dilmah said in a media release.

Brewing hope for young, aspiring chefs and encouraging culinary creativity in the hospitality industry, 19 teams will compete with a winner representing Sri Lanka at the most prestigious culinary competition in the world. The Sri Lanka national contest will be judged by international and Sri Lankan judges on 27th April 2022 at the William Angliss at SLIIT. The winning team will have a chance to compete in Bocuse d’Or Asia, followed by the global final in Lyon, France in Jan 2023.

Dubbed the ‘Olympics of the Culinary World’, Bocuse d'Or was created by Chef Paul Bocuse in 1987 to broaden the public's understanding of the extraordinary dedication, hard work, practice and precision required to execute the very finest cuisine. The competition is conducted in 3 stages: national, regional and finally a global contest where 24 young chefs compete in Lyon, France. They are required to create culinary masterpieces in front of a live audience within 5 hours and 35 minutes with the winner finally decided by a jury comprising the most illustrious chefs in the world.

In Sri Lanka Bocuse d’Or requires Chefs to incorporate the island’s culture, culinary heritage and ingredients into their original creations, including Ceylon Tea. Dilmah has supported Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka since inception as part of the brand’s commitment to innovation and tea gastronomy.

“Tea was always served in a cup, but Dilmah has shown the way how tea can also be enjoyed on a plate. Competition of this nature is healthy for the competitors, as well their industry in general because by virtue of doing your best, you uplift the overall standards of the culinary industry,” said Merrill J. Fernando, Founder of Dilmah Tea.

The distinguished panel of tasting judges will include the ‘Godfather’ of Singapore’s Culinary Fraternity - Chef Otto Weibel as Chief Judge, Chef Roberto Beltramini & Chef Michael Saelen.