City Student wins Scotland’s Student Chef of the Year

In an impressive showcase of culinary talent and teamwork, City of Glasgow College students have clinched the prestigious title of Scotland's Student Chef of the Year. Sponsored by Knorr, this competition aimed to discover and celebrate the next generation of Scottish culinary talent, fostering innovation and creativity in the kitchen. The competition on Thursday 21 March hosted by Knorr Professional and City of Glasgow College, spotlighted eight elite teams drawn from across Scotland's further education institutions, each vying for the culinary crown.

The judging panel included National Chef of Scotland Gary Maclean and Adam Handling MBE, along with executive chef Audrey Crone. With a focus on ‘modernised comfort food’ and ‘irresistible vegetables,’ students were ready to infuse their dishes with a unique twist.

The triumphant team, led by Jacintha Henderson, a first year HNC Professional Cookery student, supported by Adam Walker, a Level 5 Cookery student, demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity under pressure. The competition format challenged the teams to not only excel in a rigorous skills test aimed at the Commis Chefs but also to craft a compelling chicken dish that would impress the judges. Jacintha was thrilled with the win, she expressed:

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the brief! Darren and I quickly came up with the dishes as we had similar ideas initially and they just fell into place. The zero-waste aspect I found incredibly important as I think it plays a key role in transitioning toward a more sustainable and equitable food system. Hard work pays off…and finally a big thank you to my assistant Adam, who was amazing through the whole process!’

Guidance and support from Darren Seggie, a chef lecturer at the College, were instrumental in the team's preparation and performance. His expertise and mentorship played a pivotal role in honing the competitors' skills and bolstering their confidence.

Reflecting on the victory, Seggie expressed immense pride in his students' achievement, noting,

‘Choosing the team to represent City of Glasgow College at the Knorr Scottish Student Chef of the Year was simple. The dedication shown from both Jacintha and Adam in class was demonstrated at competition practice each week where they worked tirelessly at improvement, clocking in easily 100+ hours of training. I am incredibly proud of the drive, focus, skills, and teamwork displayed. We set a goal as a team, and nothing was going to stop them achieving it.’

The City of Glasgow College team's victory brings more than a title alone; Jacintha, Adam, and their mentor will be rewarded with a gastronomic experience in Italy later this year. This prize promises to be a celebration of their victory but also an invaluable opportunity for culinary and cultural enrichment.

The competition serves as a significant milestone for the winners, marking their emergence as rising stars in the culinary world. It also underscores the City of Glasgow College's commitment to excellence in culinary arts education, providing students with the skills, experience, and opportunities to succeed in a highly competitive industry.