Singapore, Apr 23, 2014 - (ACN Newswire) - The Hong Kong National Team triumphed over its opponents Singapore and Switzerland and emerged winner of the prestigious Battle For the Lion competition. The competition, held once every four years at the FHA (Food&HotelAsia) Culinary Challenge (FCC), Asia's top culinary competition, is held in high esteem by the fraternity.
The top three national teams who attained the highest overall score at the National Team Challenge at FCC from 8 to 10 April proceeded to compete at the Battle for the Lion on 11 April 2014. Each team prepared an appetizer, main course and dessert for 50 diners using the ingredients provided in a mystery basket, revealed the night before.
This year, nine teams from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand and the UAE took part in the National Team Challenge. Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland subsequently earned a place to vie for the creme de la creme position.
Anita Cheng, Team Manager of the Hong Kong Culinary National Team shared that the Hong Kong national team met at least once a week for 3 months, held over 20 tasting and practice sessions, invited mentors, judges, to give comments and worked hard to perfect their skills and cement the one team spirit. The team consisted of a mix of junior and experienced chefs, with the intention to train the younger team for international challenges.
"We considered ourselves already winners by making the top three. We were contented with any outcome, as we knew we have put in a good fight. When the result was announced, the team members were holding hands, and were so thrilled that we virtually jumped at the announcement. The feeling was indescribable, we were crying, we were overwhelmed and utterly happy! Winning the Lion Trophy signifies a new milestone for the Team; receiving all the warm congratulations and commendations from judges and fellow national teams proved that it's not just about winning a competition, but friendship and respect that soar beyond the scoreboard!
"Hong Kong has always been supportive of FCC and this is the fourth time that Hong Kong participated in the National Team Challenge. To us, it's an ongoing commitment, a good platform to share, to learn and to network. This is the very first time to have the honour of bringing the Lion home!" said Cheng.
The Singapore National Culinary Team, led by Chef Matthew Yim, won overall champion at FCC, National Team Category, with a haul of two gold medals and one silver medal during the first three days of competing. The team achieved best pastry display and overall champion for the National Team Categories.
Said Randy Chow, Competitions Coach of the Singapore Chefs' Association, "We have participated in FCC for many years - it is one of the most important international competitions in Asia, and will give our younger members excellent exposure. The Singapore National Culinary Team has guarded the Battle for the lion twice consecutively, so it was a must for us to fight for it again. We would like to congratulate Hong Kong for winning the Battle for the Lion. Culinary Competitions is all about sportsmanship. It was a tough fight, and the Swiss team was equally good too."
Leading the Swiss National Culinary Team, Team Leader Sascha Muller said they began preparation since November last year, and is pleased with the opportunity to meet and network with other national teams. Muller also added that all competitors had performed very well, and that the Swiss team took back with them valuable experience, friendships and fond memories.
Inaugurated in 1990, the Battle for the Lion competition was significant in that Singapore had then just hosted the first WACS World Congress in Asia. The 200kg Bronze Statue of Battle for the Lion represents a lion leaping over the globe - chosen because Singapore is the Lion City while the globe reflects the international status of Singapore as a venue for prestigious culinary events. The Battle for the Lion challenge will return to FCC at Food&HotelAsia2018.
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Source: Food&HotelAsia
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