15th International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival 2017
20-member team was led by COTHM CEO Ahmad Shafiq
Staff Report
LAHORE: The National Culinary Team of Pakistan once again brings honor and pride to Pakistan by showing outstanding performance at the 15th International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival 2017, held during February 02-05, 2017.
The victorious team was proudly and very warmly welcomed by the management of COTHM, members of the Chefs’ association of Pakistan and the industry with great enthusiasm at Allama Iqbal International Airport. The members of the team expressed their gratitude to their captain, parents and colleagues who helped them outshine others in the competition, proving the Pakistani talent to the world.
Led by Mr. Ahmad Shafiq, CEO COTHM Pakistan and Dubai, a 20 member team comprising professional chefs from the leading hotels and restaurants of Pakistan and the students of COTHM Pakistan and Dubai, demonstrated its culinary skills, while competing professional teams from more than 25 countries from around the world. As per the results announced by the jury, the culinary players from Pakistan have won 17 gold, 19 silver, 7 bronze medals and 1 trophy. The captain of the culinary team of Pakistan, chef Mohammad Raees appreciated the scintillating performance of the players. The team showcased the Pakistani cuisine at the festival to promote and highlight its identity on international forum. Mr. Ahmad Shafiq, CEO COTHM Pakistan and DUBAI, lauded the stunning performance of the team under the captaincy of chef Raees. The competition was organized by cooperation with Cooks and Chefs Federation of Turkey (COCFED) and World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).Talent of the Pakistan team was highly appreciated by the International chefs and the jury.
Last year also, the NCTP won 15 Gold, 13 Silver, 1 Bronze Medal, 4 prestigious trophies and 30 internationally endorsed certificates from among 75 different categories at the 14th International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival. This year, standing at No.1 like last year, the National Culinary team of Pakistan has another feather in its cap by bringing home 17 Gold, 19 Silver, 7 Bronze Medals, along with a Trophy.
On the closing ceremony of the festival in Istanbul, Mr. Ahmad Shafiq, CEO COTHM Pakistan & Dubai, who is also the Founder & Secretary General of Chefs’ Association of Pakistan said that the youth of Pakistan has once again proved that we are a talented, blessed, peaceful and rising nation of the world.