Seven teams from the NHS competed in this year’s HCA NHS Chef Showcase, which is part of the International Salon Culinaire 2025, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. The ‘Best in Class’ duo have been invited on a culinary trip to Venice, courtesy of the event sponsor Unox.
Chef’s Daniel Hampton and Gopakumar Kanakkaparambil took the prize with their three-course meal consisting of:
- Crispy Falafel with Nepalese Potato, Tahini Sauce and pickled onions
- Pan seared Seabass with Prawn & Carrot Cannelloni and Lemongrass Velouté
- Apple Tarte Tatin with Cornish Clotted Cream
Taking place on 17th March at Excel London, the NHS Showcase offered chefs a unique platform to showcase their skills, creativity and culinary innovation. A panel of judges were on hand to assess the chef’s performance, including Nick Vadis and salon director Steve Munkley.
This is a showcase event rather than a competition. Using the International Salon Culinaire marking system for various aspects of the dishes and medals and certificates awarded depending on the marks achieved.
The teams had to produce two portions of a three-course meal within a budget of £6 per head. The starter could have been hot or cold. The main course had to be served hot and be nutritionally balanced whilst the pudding had to be fruit-based and served either hot or cold. At least one course had to be plant-based.
Teams also had to demonstrate a consistently high level of hygienic working practice with consideration to sustainable procurement and food waste. Hospital Caterers Association’s national chair Iain Robinson was on hand to present the awards, which this year went to:
Silver medals
Daniel Hampton and Gopakumar Kanakkaparambil, Royal Hampshire County Hospital (Best in Show)
Peter Carlisle and Andrew Fewster, Nottingham University Hospitals
Alan Dougan and Jim Dougan, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Bronze Medals
Mannela Miccoli and Alejandro Hernandez, Royal Surrey Hospital
Michelle Robinson and Erica Bell, Stepping Hill Hospital
Certificates of Merit
Karolina Morawiec and Kenneth Moth, Manchester Mental Health
Joseph Joseph and Edmore Makuwaza, Leicester University Hospitals.
Best Hygiene Award
Michelle Robinson and Erica Bell, Stepping Hill Hospital
Since its inception in 1902, International Salon Culinaire has been a cornerstone of the UK hospitality industry, bringing together chefs of all levels to compete in a wide range of challenges. The Hospital Caterers Association is the only public sector organisation to have their own category in the Salon Culinaire.