The Emirates Culinary Guild (ESG) announced a successful 27th edition of the Emirates Salon Culinaire (ESC), which was held from May 20 to 22.
Held during Expoculinaire 2024, the salon was back at Expo Centre Sharjah, with more than 39 classes. It is one of the largest culinary competitions in the Africa and Middle East region, endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies.
The Emirates Salon Culinaire judges
The guild invited an international team of 34 judges, led by Otto Wiebel. Past president of ECG Uwe Micheel and chairman of Worldchefs culinary committee Dr. Rick Stephen were also present, in addition to Martin Kobald, VP of Worldchefs and Alain Hostert, continental director of Europe Central for Worldchefs.
Categories and judging
Over 900 participants representing 11 countries competed in 39 classes across all disciplines of the culinary arts, from practical cookery to static displays, Emirati cuisine, cake decorating and showpiece categories.
Statements from leaders
“The standard just keeps getting better year after year,” said Micheel. “We are proud to have once again been able to put on the event and are grateful to the supporters of the guild.” He also expressed appreciation for the courage of the chefs and industry for their support and presence during Expo Culinaire 2024, adding: “The competition was bigger than we could have hoped for, and we are excited for 2025 already.”
Guild president Andy Cuthbert, GM of Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Incentives and Jumeirah Hospitality, added: “This year’s competition was another sign of the growth of the culinary arts in the UAE.” Additionally, he noted: “We were lucky to also host the first live bakery competition, the Sounbula Mills Artisan Bakery Arena.”
Moreover, he mentioned that eight international teams competed in the Alen Thong Golden Coffee Pot Challenge.
The Emirates Salon Culinaire winners
There were many triumphs at ESC 2024. One gold medal with distinction was awarded to a chef from The Chinese Chefs Association. Furthermore, 149 gold medals, 200 silver medals and 277 bronze medals were handed to skilled chefs during the three-day event.
