Ara graduate wows judges at prestigious Australasian Awards
10 September, 2024
South Island Regional Winner Anshul Gurung wins medals at Nestle Golden Chefs’ Hat.
Ara Institute of Canterbury graduate Anshul Gurung, has competed in the Nestlé Golden Chefs Hat Award competition in Melbourne this week, winning multiple medals and a top award.
The South Island 2024 Regional Winner, currently a chef de partie at Brewda, impressed judges with his creative three-course menu, which earned him three silver medals and the Best Savoury Award, along with a $2,500 tuition package.
The competition brought together ten of the best young chefs from Australia and New Zealand. No stranger to culinary competitions, Gurung said he returned to the Golden Chefs event because of the valuable lessons he’d learned during his previous experience. “I like to stretch myself by competing,” he said.
His award-winning menu featured a creamy pea mousse with citrus gel, smoked ricotta, and chilli macadamia for the entrée. His main course was a delicate rost biff with silver beet, a butternut and potato terrine, charred onion puree, and spiced butternut jus. For dessert, he prepared a French vanilla and raspberry entremets with white chocolate and coconut crumble, macerated berries, and dark chocolate.
The judges, comprising experts from the Australian Culinary Federation, NZChefs, and Nestlé Professional, assessed the competitors on professional practices, presentation, and taste, to globally recognised standards.
NZChefs judge Geoff Scott said the competition allowed young chefs to test themselves, make connections, and learn from each other.
“Anshul and the North Island finalist Emily Morgan delivered standout dishes under immense pressure. Just making it this far, let alone winning medals and awards, is a significant achievement,” Scott said.
The winner on the day was Australia’s Archer Houghton, who won a fully paid trip to the World Chef’s Congress 2024 in Singapore.
The Nestlé Golden Chefs has supported over 7,500 chefs across Australia and New Zealand in advancing their culinary careers for nearly 60 years.
Ara Graduate Gabby Sanders took out the event in 2022.