Team Europe Crowned Gulfood International Culinary League Champions

Top chefs from Team Europe turned up the heat on their global rivals and impressed the judges to claim the International Culinary League title after an intense kitchen battle at Gulfood 2021, the most competitive global sourcing platform and first in-person F&B event for 12 months, which ended a fun-day run at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on Thursday 25 February.

The third edition of the much-anticipated culinary clash saw four teams representing Europe, Africa-Middle East, Asia and America, go head-to-head in the part-competition, part-masterclass continental clash. The chefs were judged on the innovation and sustainability of their dishes with 30%  of the judging criteria focusing on sustainable ingredients and cooking techniques along with a zero-wastage policy.

Following an inspirational contest, Team Europe was crowned champions with its winning menu: 

Starter – ‘Spring in Green’ – poached egg, parmigiano reggiano, asparagus and chlorophyll. 

Main course – ‘Seabass saltimbocca’ – seabass, veal bacon, rosemary and grilled lettuce AND “Cacio e pepe” – pecorino cheese, honey, black pepper, orange.

“Being titled as the winner of this year’s Gulfood International Culinary League is an amazing feeling. To be a part of such a prestigious competition and showcase my region’s traditional recipes, particularly the Seabass Saltimbocca, and to have that appreciated by the judges, has been a true honour,” said Bernardo Paladini Executive Chef, Torno Subito, Dubai, and part of the winning Team Europe.

“To be back at an exhibition as large as Gulfood, is a true testament to the UAE’s commitment to excellence and is a perfect example to the rest of the world – that if we can implement the correct social distancing rules and maintain our COVID-19 precautions and regulations, we can also bring other such exhibitions back globally.”