After judging two seasons of culinary competitions alongside other WorldChefs judges, I have learned three valuable lessons from them:
- It is essential to always provide suitable conditions (within the judges' authority) for candidates to perform at their best during the examination.
- When giving feedback to candidates, it is crucial to highlight their areas of improvement and offer guidance on how to enhance their skills, rather than resorting to criticism or belittlement.
- The judging process should never be influenced by personal preferences, likes, or dislikes. This refers not only to relationships with candidates but also, and especially, to taste and aesthetic preferences.
Additionally, I have noticed three common mistakes that candidates often make:
- Insufficient seasoning, resulting in dishes that lack flavor.
- Neglecting to read rulebooks and understand the content and regulations of their respective competitions.
- Attempting to showcase creativity without a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of the dish they are preparing.
In competitions following the WorldChefs format, there are no limits on the number of gold, silver, or bronze medals awarded. Consequently, the true competition for candidates lies not with their fellow competitors or the judges but within themselves. That's why before each round, we always remind the candidates:
"Do not cook to impress the judges or win medals. Cook as if you were serving guests at the restaurant where you work."
When you go into the competition with that mindset, you’ll definitely get some amazing results.
Pic: The Vietnam Culinary Challenge 2024 took place over three days (19-21/3) in Ho Chi Minh city. The competition attracted 397 entries from 160 participants.