Vietnamese chefs win at Asia-Pacific Travel Forum

Chef Võ Quốc Việt wins two awards with the dish ‘An Giang grapefruit salad with ocean squid’ and the ‘Best Chef in the Kitchen’ award at the Asia-Pacific Onboard Travel Forum. Photo courtesy of Furama Đà Nẵng

ĐÀ NẴNG — Vietnamese Chef Đới Thị Ngọc Diệp, a seasoned Pastry Instructor from CHM International Academy, claimed the prestigious overall first prize with an outstanding performance at the Asia-Pacific Onboard Travel Forum (APOT)’s the ‘CATRION Jet Setters Palette’ chefs challenge in the central city’s Furama resort.

Additionally, Chef Võ Quốc Việt of MENAS company, renowned for its operation of Trade Centres, real estate management, and culinary chains in Việt Nam, received two awards – the first prize for entree with the dish ‘An Giang grapefruit salad with ocean squid’ and the ‘Best Chef in the Kitchen’ award during the event.

Thomas Gugler, President of the World Chef Association, meticulously evaluated the CATRION ‘Jet Setters Palette’ chefs challenge, featuring participants from diverse Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Việt Nam. Culinary experts spanned various fields, including Aviation, Hotels & Resorts, and Restaurants.

Reflecting on the event, Thomas Gugler, President of the World Chef Association, expressed: “This is an interesting and inspiring chef competition where chefs gather and interact, sharing experiences about International Aviation cuisine.”

Participants from Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Việt Nam, join the ‘CATRION Jet Setters Palette’ chefs challenge in Đà Nẵng. Photo courtesy of Furama Đà Nẵng

“This event serves as a platform for APOT Asia 2023 to draw attention to improving the quality of aviation cuisine. What remains in the minds of passengers after each flight includes a good dining experience, comfortable seating and enjoyable entertainment. Therefore, the airline culinary experience is crucial and plays a significant role in passengers' choice of airline.”

MENAS company's Managing Director, Nguyễn Ngọc Quý, affirmed the company's vision of evolving into a comprehensive restaurant chain development and franchising entity. He emphasized the strategic importance of venturing into aviation culinary services, citing the APOT event in Đà Nẵng and the chef competition as instrumental in clarifying goals and learning opportunities.

Chef Võ Quốc Việt emphasized: “This serves as an excellent chance for chefs to learn, collaborate, and deepen our understanding of the nuances of the aviation culinary industry. Crafting the ultimate aviation culinary experience involves not only delectable and aesthetically pleasing dishes, but also practicality aligned with the unique service characteristics of the aviation sector.”

Gentzsch Andre Piere, General Director of Furama - Ariyana Da Nang Tourism Complex, a companion to APOT Asia 2023, said: " Furama Resort Danang has welcomed very special guests; they are world-famous chefs, experts in the field of aviation gathered at the APOT Asia 2023 event in the central city with many activities attracting the attention of the local and international community. Through this event, we hope to contribute to making the Đà Nẵng brand a bright spot on the world culinary tourism map."

The Asia Pacific Onboard Travel (APOT) forum, which is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation within the airline and associated industries across the Asia Pacific region, redefines networking experiences through its annual forums and events, bringing together industry leaders and professionals to drive positive change and growth in the sector. VNS