Hong Kong’s renowned chef and visionary, Vicky Lau, is set to make Hong Kong proud as the sole chef representing the city at the esteemed S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition in Milan this October alongside some of the world’s leading Chefs.

Chef Vicky Lau wears many hats, which includes being the chef-owner of the two Michelin-starred TATE Dining Room (the only female Chef in Asia with such a prestigious title), Michelin Green-starred MORA (soy-focused French Chinese cuisine), and AN Soy (a concept online and retail store which specialises in in-house made soy products). In addition to this, she also happens to be the Tatler Dining Hong Kong’s current Chef of the Year.

In October, Chef Vicky will be a guest judge alongside some of the world’s top culinary talents for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, which will see the winner’s crowning. Chef Vicky will be representing Hong Kong at the two-day finale, which is scheduled for the 4th and 5th of October in Milan and revolves around the inspiring concept of “Bring your future to the table.”

The competition brings together influential voices from the gastronomic world to initiate a meaningful conversation on how food can catalyse positive change in society.

Following a rigorous two-year competition which has involved some of the world’s best young chefs, the time is almost here for the final fifteen culinary talents to showcase their skills and potential in their quest for the prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award.

“Seeing people enjoy the food and understand the story that makes me the happiest. As a chef, it’s important to prepare beautiful and delicious food, but we are also looking for more meaning in life. Success is not just about you but also about how much you can positively impact society. That’s what we should all aspire to.” says Chef Vicky Lau to the young talents of the world.

Chef Vicky’s selection as a guest judge reflects her outstanding culinary achievements and innovative vision in the industry. Her participation in this globally recognised competition further solidifies her status as a trailblazer in Hong Kong’s culinary scene and reinforces her representation as a leader in shaping the future of gastronomy.

The judges joining Chef Vicky include the following:

Virgilio Martínez, renowned for his commitment to showcasing Peru’s diverse biodiversity, earned the prestigious title of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants winner in 2023, solidifying his status as a leading force in the culinary world and a pioneer in elevating Peruvian cuisine to new heights.

Julien Royer, the culinary genius behind Singapore’s Odette, has been consistently recognised for his outstanding talent, garnering numerous accolades, including three Michelin stars and his inclusion on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, establishing him as one of the finest chefs in the world.

Hélène Darroze, a multi-award-winning chef, has not only earned three Michelin stars for her eponymous restaurant but also garnered international recognition for her exquisite reinterpretations of French gastronomy, enhancing her status as one of the leading figures in the culinary world.

Pía León, an exceptional talent in her own right, co-founded Lima’s Central restaurant, which quickly rose to international acclaim, earning the title of Best Restaurant in Latin America and showcasing her remarkable skills as a chef-contributor to Central’s astonishing success.

Eneko Atxa, known for his avant-garde interpretations of Basque cuisine, achieved the remarkable feat of earning three Michelin stars for his restaurant Azurmendi, cementing his position among the world’s top culinary talents with his innovative techniques and commitment to sustainability.

Nancy Silverton, a culinary luminary, received the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef Award for her exceptional contributions to the culinary arts, primarily in the realm of baking and pastry, where her masterful techniques and dedication to craftsmanship have set her apart.

Riccardo Camanini, holder of two Michelin stars for his iconic restaurant Lido 84, has gained acclaim for his impeccable culinary skills, showcasing his ability to transform traditional Italian cuisine into innovative, thought-provoking dishes that have captivated diners worldwide.

You can keep up to date with the event and Chefy Vicky via Instagram updates on @tatediningroom, @chefvickylau and the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy website.

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