Nepali chefs gather in Damak

By Bishnu Prasad Pokhrel, Damak, May 18: The demand for Nepali chefs is increasing in the global market, along with growing promotion of Nepali cuisine worldwide.

Chefs from various countries, who participated in the “Open Cooking Competition and Food Festival” held in Damak, Jhapa, said that the professional skills of Nepali chefs should improve as traditional Nepali food is gaining international recognition.

According to Arun Adhikari, president of the International Chef Society, chefs were previously seen only as ordinary kitchen workers, but their value and recognition have now significantly improved. 

He said there is currently a high demand for Nepali chefs in the global market.

He added that this was the first time Nepali chefs from around the world had gathered in Damak with the aim of promoting authentic Nepali cuisine internationally and supporting local tourism. 

Chefs from other countries also participated in the event and helped make it successful.

Vice president of the International Chef Society, Dr. Sai Kumar Sharma, said that Nepali chefs are in high demand in India, where they can earn between Rs. 100,000 to 500,000 per month, depending on their skills. 

He said that skilled chefs can easily find employment and receive attractive salaries and benefits in the global market.

General secretary of the International Chef Society, Deep Karki, who came from Canada, said they are working continuously to promote Nepali chefs worldwide. 

He said efforts are being made to place skilled chefs in well-known international hotels and to promote Nepali cuisine globally.

He added that foreign chefs were also brought to Damak for the event to enhance its impact. 

The festival of indigenous food items was held in Damak on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, participating chefs tasted local dishes and visited nearby tourist destinations.

According to Rajan Dangol, president of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Federation Koshi Province, it is a matter of pride that chefs from around the world have gathered in Damak and committed to promoting Nepali cuisine. 

He added that the government should also pay attention to tourism development and the promotion of Nepali cuisine.