Vietnamese pastry chefs to compete in Paris

Vietnamese pastry chefs to compete in Paris

By Binh Nguyen in HCMC

Tran Ngo Lam Khanh and Pham Ngoc Hai of the Sofitel Saigon Plaza are ready for the world pastry competition in Paris March 6 to 8 - Photo: Courtesy of the Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Khanh and Hai qualified for the competition as these representatives of the luxury hotel in downtown HCMC were awarded first prize among seven other participating teams from around Vietnam at the Vietnam Pastry Cup in Hanoi last May.

The pastry team of the Sofitel Saigon Plaza will have to vie with teams from Mexico, Morocco, Spain, Japan, France, Ukraine, Russia, Switzerland, Hong Kong, China and Ireland.

“This competition is a great exposure and a great opportunity for Khanh and Hai to showcase their talent and creations to the international crowd,” said Philippe Godard, general manager of Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

Khanh and Hai will stay at Chateau de Vigny for the last practice and preparation for the competition, which is organized by Europain and DGF Group, the culinary and catering specialist organization.

After the competition, Khanh and Hai will join a week-long training program with Stephane Glacier, who won the Best Craftsmen of France in Pastry in 2000. Glacier is also known as the author of best-seller books about pastries including “Gourmandises, so British” in 2005 and “Holiday Desserts: Behind the Scenes” in 2005.

“The training with Glacier will be a great addition to their skills and a valuable experience as well,” Godard said.
“Mondial des Arts Sucres” is being held for the second year in Paris. Since 2005, the Europain fair has been a platform for bakery suppliers worldwide to showcase craftworks including bakery, pastry, ice-cream, chocolate and confectionary to professional bakers. Europain attracts exhibitors from 130 countries and territories, and over 80,000 visitors every year.