Azerbaijan's National Culinary Team achieved remarkable success at the international "Alen Thong Golden Coffee Pot Challenge" culinary championship and competitions held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from May 29 to 31, as part of the "Emirates Salon Culinary" event.
These competitions were organized by the Association of World Culinary Societies (Worldchefs) and the Emirates Culinary Guild. Representing Azerbaijan, a team of nine individuals participated in the event.
The Azerbaijan National Culinary Team comprised members of the Azerbaijan Culinary Specialists Association (ACSA), associate members of "Worldchefs," recent graduates of the CASA Culinary School, and included the following participants: Leyla Valiyeva, Jalal Mammadov, Altay Garibov, Rufat Mirzammadli, Elsever Omarov, Kanan Balashov, along with coach Araz Ahmadov, captain Sarkhan Mammadov, and international referee Orkhan Mukhtarov.
Supported by the State Tourism Agency, the Azerbaijan National Culinary Team secured both silver and bronze medals in various individual and team categories.
In the highly competitive "Buffet Menu" category, which is considered the pinnacle of the championship, the Azerbaijan National Culinary Team presented a comprehensive menu featuring salad, seafood, meat products, appetizers, main courses, bread, and desserts.
The international panel of judges recognized their exceptional culinary skills, awarding the team the 2nd place among the strongest teams from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa regions. This remarkable achievement earned the team a prestigious silver trophy, with only two countries receiving this highest accolade at the competition.
Additionally, Azerbaijani chefs Leyla Valiyeva, Jalal Mammadov, and Kanan Balashov secured bronze medals in various individual categories within the championship. Furthermore, Orkhan Mukhtarov, who served as an international judge during the competition, was honored with one of the culinary field's highest distinctions, the "Chaîne des Rôtisseurs" award.
It is worth noting that during the exhibition held alongside the championship in the UAE, which is a significant tourism market for Azerbaijan, the State Tourism Agency set up a booth to promote Azerbaijan as a gastronomic destination. The stand showcased samples of biodiversity derived from Azerbaijan's favorable climate.
