PATA Nepal Chapter organizes Chefs' & Content Writing Competition

KATHMANDU, Jan 09: Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter organized the PATA Young Tourism Professional (YTP) Chefs' Competition under the theme- "The Contemporary Nepali Cuisine: Embracing Local Ingredients, Limitless Creativity, Health and Sustainability" on 7th January 2023 at Nepal Academy of Tourism & Hotel Management (NATHM), Rabibhawan, Kathmandu.

A distinguished panel of Honorary Judges, including MasterChef Santosh Shah, Chef Jiten Pradhan, and Chef Dinesh Homagai, evaluated the 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. 

The top 10 Students from five leading Hotel Management Member colleges of the PATA Nepal Chapter, IST, GATE, NATHM, PHS, and GCI, took part in the Chefs Competition and introduced some authentic contemporary Nepali cuisines from diverse cultures and regions with innovative and professional hospitality touch!

Mr. Shrawan Rai and Ms. Reshma Shrestha from the Global Academy of Tourism & 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 Mr. Bijen Bidari and Mr. Prasun Kumar) and Premire Hotel School-PHS (represented by Mr. Rahul Dhamala and Ms.Sherya Kandangwa) were declared as 1st Runner-Up and 2nd Runner-Up of the competition respectively. After the contest, MasterChef Santosh Shah and Chef Jiten Pradhan conducted a brief mentoring session for participating students. 

Similarly, Ms. Ashma Kumari Thapa from NATHM won the PATA Content Writing Competition 2023, whereas Ms. Ashma Ale Magar from Global College International and Mr. Mukul Subedi from Mid-Valley Int’l College secured the first runner-up and second runner-up positions respectively. 

During the welcome remarks, Mr Khem Lakai (Honorary Treasurer of the PATA Nepal Chapter) stated that this initiative by PATA would contribute to the preparation of future chefs, as well as to the promotion of Nepal as a promising destination for culture and cuisine. He further added, "PATA's priority for engagement with Young Tourism Professionals is also to build future leaders in the tourism and hospitality industry of Nepal. 

Mr Deepak Raj Joshi (Director General of CNI), as a Judge for the "Content Writing Competition", shared some basic guidelines and tips amongst participating students for content writing, announcing the theme "Rethinking Tourism".  

Mr Binod Aryal (BHM Program Coordinator-NATHM) appreciated the efforts by PATA in engaging YTPs and assured of NATHM’s continued support for such initiatives of engaging and empowering the Youths as NATHM is committed towards excellence in human capital development.

Mr Suresh Singh Budal (CEO-PATA Nepal Chapter) extended a vote of thanks to all participants, distinguished judges and guests, sponsors, NATHM (host) and its students, announcing the results of the competition. 

PATA 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.