Young chefs in the UK between the ages of 18 and 25 are now being invited to enter.
President of the British Culinary Federation, Peter Griffiths, said: “Now in its seventh year, we wanted to mix it up a little. The competition has grown from strength to strength, and has attracted a wealth of talented young chefs from across the UK. We are adding a new element to the competition this year – the finalists can choose any Oriental dish for the main course, but it must be served in a bowl.
“We would like to reiterate that competitors don’t necessarily have to have extensive experience in Oriental cuisine, it’s about being creative and cooking something that sounds, looks and tastes delicious!”
There will be two stages to the competition, the first stage will be a written entry including an Oriental recipe of choice.
In stage 2 the selected finalists must take part in a live cook-off at University College Birmingham (UCB) on Thursday 4 April 2019.
At the end of a ‘gruelling but exciting day’, one chef will not only be crowned Wing Yip’s Young Chef of the Year, but will also win a £750 cash prize, as well as a stage with MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen at his restaurant, Woky Ko.
The winner of the Wing Yip Young Chef of the Year 2018, Conor Bird, chef de partie at the House of Commons, said: “Taking part in the competition was a fantastic experience, especially getting to know all the other competitors and working alongside a team of top-class judges.
“I would definitely recommend young chefs enter next year. It has a massive impact on who you are as a chef and what you learn is just incredible, I learnt some invaluable skills – and no matter the outcome, everyone feels like a winner.”
To enter, applicants must submit a traditional street-food starter served in a suitable container and main course of their choice, which must be served in a bowl. The most imaginative menus will be shortlisted, and finalists will be invited to a live cook-off at UCB, on Thursday 4 April 2019, where they will cook for the judges.
Entries close on Friday 18 February 2019. To enter, visit: www.wingyip.com/young-chef.