SERC's young chef competes at world's biggest culinary competition

SERC professional cookery student David Haggan from Belfast has travelled to India with his mentor Brian Magill to represent Northern Ireland at the Young Chef Olympiad

Over 67 talented culinary students from across the globe will fly down to India to represent their country and be in with the chance of winning the grand title and a cash prize of $10,000.

19-year-old David, who studies at the college;s Bangor campus, is a second year level 3 Professional Cookery student and is a trainee chef in Belfast’s Il Pirata.

David explained: “I am passionate about food, using fresh local products, and also in developing my skills and knowledge.”

Young Chef Olympiad is organised by India’s largest hotel school chain, International Institute of Hotel Management and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and will take place across the four cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.

SERC assistant head of school for business, hospitality and tourism Caroline Keatley said: “Young Chef Olympiad is an excellent platform for David to showcase his talent and not only compete to be the best, but also network and be introduced to different cuisines, especially Indian. It will enhance his culinary knowledge and will bring food to the forefront along with new and inventive culinary styles and practices which will look great on his CV and enrich his studies.

“Both David and Brian have worked extremely hard preparing for the competition and we wish them the very best of luck. Even being selected for it David has proved himself a formidable talent in the culinary arts industry.”

The best culinary art students from England, France, Malaysia, China, Switzerland, Australia, USA, Spain, Sweden, Hong Kong, Canada and more will all be competing for the honour.

The event will also see the presence of brands like Hyatt Hotels, ITC Hotels, Leela Hotels, Swissotel, Novotel as the Hospitality partners along with other brand sponsors.

SERC provides a range of full and part-time courses designed to give students ‘the edge’. To find out how SERC can help you ‘get the edge’ call 0345 600 7555, visit www.serc.ac.uk or find SERC on Facebook, search: South Eastern Regional College.