Mumbai: For the first time in history, Team India, presided by Chef Soundararajan P, Corporate Executive Chef at Mahindra Holidays, won the ‘Special Plate Prize’ at the recently concluded Bocuse d’Or – Asia Pacific 2018, also known as the Chef Olympics, held at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Centre. The Asia Pacific round saw the Indian team, comprising of Chef Soundararajan P (president), Chef Ranjit Debnath (candidate), Chef Abhijit Saha (coach) and Chef Aheer Biswas (commis), outshine other nations in the special platter round.

Organized as a pre-curser to the Grand Finale of Bocuse d’Or to be held in France in January 2019, the event witnessed participation from twelve countries including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

“This win is a testament to Indian culinary art and expertise”, said Soundararajan P, Corporate Executive Chef Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Ltd. “The competition saw participation from the best chefs in Asia, and this prestigious prize is evidence of the brilliant skills of our chefs.”

The winning entry, prepared by Chef Ranjit Debnath, was inspired by India’s national bird – Peacock. Under the guidance of Chef Soundararajan, the team successfully exemplified the splendour and elegance of the national bird. Served in sterling silver, the special plate included a kale and salame milano rolled veal loin; veal tortellini a la samosa; ricotta stuffed morel; truffle oil-infused red wine jus and cherry glazed foie gras parfait.

Congratulating the team, Mr. Kavinder Singh, MD & CEO, Mahindra Holidays, stated, “Heartiest congratulations to Chef Soundararajan and Team India for winning this prestigious award. This win is a testament to the great culinary skills of our Chefs and demonstrates our ability to compete and win at a global level. I am confident that this will serve as an inspiration to all aspiring Chefs across the country and we hope to win many such laurels going forward.”

Introduced in 1987 to commemorate Chef of the Century Paul Bocuse, Bocuse d’Or is the world’s most esteemed culinary competition. The event purposes to bring together 24 most promising young chefs from all over the world, the best talents of their generation, and have them prepare outstanding dishes live before an enthusiastic audience. The winning dishes are selected by a jury composed of the most illustrious chefs on the planet.

Bocuse d’Or now features nearly sixty national and continental contests over a two-year cycle, all leading to the culmination in the world final in France.