Nine contestants are set to compete for the grand prize of N1 million in the final round of the Hansik Korean food competition, scheduled to take place later this month.
The contest, organized by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN), focuses on blending Korean and Nigerian cuisines using Jang sauces to create unique fusion dishes.
The competition began with an online preliminary round, from which 18 contestants advanced to the second stage. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of N1 million, N700,000, and N400,000, respectively.
Kim Changki, Director of KCCN, praised the event, highlighting the Korean government’s role in providing financial support. He noted the growing interest among Nigerians in Korean cuisine and their skill in preparing it. “I am very pleased with how well Nigerians cook Korean food. Our Korean chef judge was particularly impressed with the quality of one dish,” Kim said.
Kim expressed hope that the competition will continue annually, with ongoing support from the Korean government. He specifically mentioned the standout dishes, Gochujang Jjigae and Doenjang Jjigae, which were noted for their exceptional taste.
Chef Godfrey Odoh, Vice President of the North Central Association of Professional Chefs and one of the Nigerian judges, highlighted the competition’s role in showcasing Nigerian recipes on a global stage. “This competition creates opportunities for our youth and fosters collaboration between Nigerian and Korean chefs, which is a fantastic initiative,” Odoh said.
He added that the contest emphasizes the use of Jang (Korean sauces) and noted that while all contestants adhered to the core recipe, there could only be one winner. “Judging is based on the complexity of the dish and its taste. All participants did their best, but as always, only one can win. We look forward to determining who will come out on top,” Odoh concluded.
