Celebrating Culinary Brilliance: Highlights from the Klong Phai Farm School Culinary Contest 2024

The Klong Phai Farm School Culinary Contest 2024 recently concluded, leaving behind a legacy of culinary excellence and unforgettable moments. This eagerly anticipated event brought together aspiring chefs from diverse culinary schools, each showcasing their skills, creativity, and passion in a thrilling competition. Let’s dive into the exciting highlights of this remarkable event and extend our heartfelt congratulations to the deserving winners.

Laurent Opportune, the owner of Prosun Farm Co., Ltd. (Klongphai Farm), is dedicated to fostering the talents of young Thai culinary enthusiasts. With a deep commitment to the culinary arts, he aims to offer a platform for aspiring chefs from diverse cooking schools across Thailand to showcase their skills and gain invaluable knowledge from esteemed chefs in the industry. Beyond spotlighting the exceptional quality of our free-range chicken and quails, the contest served as a platform for culinary students to exhibit their talents.

Contestants faced challenges that put their creativity, technical skills, and ability to work under pressure to the test. Beyond the competition, the event served as a catalyst for promoting culinary education and the profession in Thailand, fostering growth and innovation in the culinary industry.

We express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Ambassador of France in Thailand, for gracing us with his presence and presenting the Embassy prizes. We are thankful for the support of the French Embassy, which shares our commitment to promoting culinary excellence and cultural exchange.

The heart of the event was the live cooking contest, featuring eight teams from Thailand’s top culinary schools. Our distinguished panel of judges, including Michelin-starred chefs and Disciple Escoffier chefs, meticulously evaluated each dish based on taste, presentation, and interpretation of the given recipes.

TASTING JURY

Chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier (Jury President ) / Maison Dunand, 1 MICHELIN Star
Chef Gerard Villaret Horcajo / Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu, 1 MICHELIN Star
Chef David Hartwig / IGNIV Bangkok, 1 MICHELIN Star
Chef Thavisack Phouthavong / 80/20bkk , 1 MICHELIN Star

TECHNICAL JURY

Chef Julien Le Breton / Klong Phai Farm – Disciple d’Escoffier / The Winner of The Iron Chef 2020
Chef Kent Vatcharavee Visetpohchanatip – Disciples d’Escoffier president
Chef Alexandre Demard / Tolani Hotels – Disciple d’Escoffier
Chef Michaël PAPO – Disciple d’Escoffier
Chef R Teerapat Teeyasoontranon / RARE by Chef R / From the Iron Chef Thailand

After intense deliberation, the judges faced the challenging task of selecting the winners, considering their culinary skills, recipe interpretation, and overall performance. Let’s congratulate the exceptional winners who stood out among the talented contestants:

Mr. Nawin Namkaew & Mentor Chef Nicolas Keller from Suan Dusit University: Winners of ‘The Winner’ title and ‘Best Diverse Vegetable Selection with Efficient Waste Management’ award.

Ms. Sunisa Srisuwan & Mentor Chef Antonio Cortes from École Ducasse Nai Lert Bangkok Studio: Secured the well-deserved 2nd place and earned ‘The Best Plate Dressing’ award.

Mr. Supaloke Siri & Mentor Chef Rodolphe Onno from Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Thani: Clinched the 3rd place and triumphed as the 1st recipe winner.

Mr. Jomduan Yen & Mentor Chef Nut Thamrongpanakul Hospitality and Catering Training Centre (HCTC): Recognized for Winners of the Sanitation, Cleanliness, and Technical Expertise category.

Mr. Nitikorn Somsuan & Mentor Chef Ruj Krongthong from School of the Oriental Hotel Apprenticeship Programme (OHAP): Recognized for exceptional Intercultural Skills showcased in their 1st recipe.

The event also featured insightful discussions at the Geographical Indications Conference, exploring challenges and opportunities in Thailand’s culinary landscape. Esteemed speakers, including representatives from the European Union and local industry experts, enriched the discourse.

Mr. Laurent Lourdaís, First Counsellor Agriculture, SPS, Environment Delegation of the European Union to Thailand
Mrs. Kitiyaporn Sathusen, Director of Geographical Indication Office
Dr. Saknarong Siriporn na Rajasima, Natural Farm Owner – A Taste of Paradise Available on Earth
Ms. Suvisooth Lohitnavy, Director of Marketing and PR – Granmonte’s
Mr. Steve Craig, Accidental Butcher Owner

Throughout the event, attendees indulged in an alcohol distillery demonstration by Kosapan, complemented by French delicacies from Mister Cochon and Pâté en croûte by Chef Alexandre Demard. A sumptuous lunch course featured the winning menu from Chef Chotika Charoensook & Mentor Chef Sarakorn Pattanananchai from Rattanakosin International College of Creative Entrepreneurs (RICE), the winner of the Klong Phai Farm School Culinary Contest 2023.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed sponsors who made this event possible, including The Food School, Kitchen World, Villeroy & Boch, VOSS, , Han & Co, Nordsways Uraiwan Farm, Tops, GranMonte, Independent Wine & Spirit, and more. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in the success of the Klong Phai Farm School Culinary Contest.

In closing, we extend our sincere thanks to all the students, mentors, and schools who participated in the event. Your passion, dedication, and enthusiasm brought the contest to life, creating unforgettable moments and shaping the culinary stars of tomorrow. We look forward to continuing this journey together and celebrating the ever-evolving world of culinary excellence.

Cheers to a day filled with culinary delights and the celebration of talent!