Rice to the challenge

A wholesaler is asking young chefs and catering students across the UK if they’ve got “wok” it takes in the kitchen

Speciality Chinese wholesaler Wing Yip has officially launched a competition to crown its 2019 Wing Yip Young Chef of the Year.

Now in its seventh year, the competition is open to young chefs and catering students across the UK and Ireland who are aged between 18 and 25. The winner will receive a £750 cash prize as well as a stage with MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen at his restaurant, Woky Ko.

Putting the contestants through their paces will be a panel of expert judges – President of the British Culinary Federation Peter Griffiths, Michelin-starred Chef Glynn Purnell and MasterChef finalist and Woky Ko founder, Larkin Cen.

Peter said: “Now in its seventh year, we wanted to mix it up a little. The competition has grown from strength to strength, and has attracted a wealth of talented young chefs from across the UK. We are adding a new element to the competition this year – the finalists can choose any Oriental dish for the main course, but it must be served in a bowl.

“We would like to reiterate that competitors don’t necessarily have to have extensive experience in Oriental cuisine, it’s about being creative and cooking something that sounds, looks and tastes delicious!”

To enter Wing Yip’s competition, applicants must submit a traditional street-food starter served in a suitable container and main course of their choice, which must be served in a bowl. The most imaginative menus will be shortlisted, and finalists will be invited to a live cook-off at UCB, on Thursday 4 April 2019, where they will cook for the judges.

Chef of the Year Competition wholesaler Wing Yip