Accepting applications from young culinary contenders across Thailand, the third edition of the Okura Prestige Bangkok's annual cooking competition returns with prizes so advantageous and invaluable that they are hardly offered anywhere else.
The prizes include a three-week apprenticeship at the Okura Prestige Bangkok's Yamazato Japanese restaurant, followed by a nine-day educational trip to the Netherlands and the opportunity to train under world-acclaimed chef Onno Kokmeijer at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam's two Michelin-starred Ciel Bleu.
Launched in 2017, the programme invites Thai youth aged 18-25 who are studying the hospitality, kitchen or tourism industries at an accredited university or vocational cooking school to take part in the competition.
This year, entrants are required to submit their application accompanied by relevant documents to the hotel by March 29. A short cooking video by the applicants is to be posted on Facebook by April 5. An announcement of those who pass the first-round selection and proceed to an English-language interview will be on April 10.
Only five applicants will be selected for the training course, scheduled for June 3-21, with Japanese master chef Shigeru Hagiwara at Yamazato restaurant. At the end of the Bangkok drill, the five finalists are to prepare signature dishes before the committee and serve their creations to distinguished guests and judges.
The winner of the judges' panel will receive a nine-day educational trip to Amsterdam around July-August. The prize is inclusive of a round-trip air ticket to Amsterdam, an eight-night stay at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam and a training course under master chef Onno Kokmeijer at Ciel Bleu innovative European cuisine restaurant. Kokmeijer has been named SVH Meesterkook by the Dutch hospitality organisation Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Horeca.
The package also provides a complimentary luncheon and dinner at Michelin-starred restaurants Yamazato and Ciel Bleu, a day trip in Amsterdam, visa arrangements, travel insurance and pocket money. All is valued at more than 100,000 baht.
For full details on candidate criteria and a timeline of the competition,
contact pr@okurabangkok.com or call 02-687-9000.
