The 26th IKA/Culinary Olympics held in Germany from 2nd to 7th February witnessed the participation of over 1,200 individuals, including 88 teams and more than 520 individual exhibitors representing 55 nations. Amongst this international culinary showcase, Finland emerged victorious, showcasing their prowess in the culinary arts.

For the First Time Ever, an Egyptian Judge Made his Mark at the IKA Olympics

Making history, Chef Hossam Soliman became the first Egyptian judge to leave his mark on the prestigious IKA Olympics. Nominated to participate in this esteemed event, Chef Hossam joined a distinguished panel of 70 chefs, led by Jury President Frank Widmann. ECA had the privilege to connect with Chef Hossam, delving into his experiences, insights, and journey as a judge in this iconic culinary competition.

As a judge at the IKA Culinary Olympics, what criteria do you prioritize when evaluating dishes? Can you describe the judging scenario at the IKA Culinary Olympics?

Judging standards encompass a set of regulations and rules that vary depending on the categories being assessed. Whether it’s pastry, the hot kitchen section, showpieces, or live cooking, each category has its own specific criteria. However, all competition categories must adhere to certain overarching rules:

1. Creativity and innovation
2. Correct professional preparation
3. Attention to detail, including final appearance, proportion, and symmetry
4. Demonstration of skills and techniques
5. Homogeneity across components
6. Eye-catching overall impression
7. Correct proportions and sizes of elements
8. Degree of difficulty in execution
9. Adherence to hygiene rules and commitment to food safety
10. Arrangement of plates in a professional and organized manner
11. Ease of implementation within the specified time constraints
12. Minimization of food waste
13. Prohibition of artificial decorations
14. Maintenance of a clean and organized work area
15. Demonstration of a variety of cooking methods
16. Presentation of delicious and balanced dishes
17. Incorporation of a variety of flavors and textures.

Are there any new competition rules implemented at the IKA Culinary Olympics 2024?

Yes, the aspic buffet show scheduled among the international teams has been canceled. Instead, it has been replaced with live cooking, ensuring that the buffet is solely dedicated to tasting. Consequently, the competition between all Olympic teams will now focus solely on live cooking.

Could you share some memorable experiences or standout moments from your time as a judge at the IKA Culinary Olympics? Are there any particularly innovative or culturally significant dishes that left a lasting impression on you?

Indeed, my tenure as a judge and leader of a judging panel was a truly unique experience. I gained invaluable insights and faced numerous challenges, particularly in adjudicating between highly skilled competitors. The contestants’ professionalism made the task even more demanding, as the margin for error among them was remarkably slim. However, the pleasure of encountering and sampling delightful dishes made the endeavor immensely rewarding.

Among the myriad innovative creations that left a lasting impression on me was a chocolate piece filled with a medley of bell peppers, as well as an avocado infused with crushed peppers. Additionally, I was captivated by showpieces resembling oil paintings, where every color used was derived from edible oils sourced from various vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, I witnessed the unveiling of novel artistic displays featuring novelty cakes and wedding cakes, showcasing remarkable creativity and craftsmanship.

Given your experience as a judge at prestigious international competitions like the IKA Culinary Olympics, what advice would you offer to aspiring chefs?

I want to extend a message to all professional chefs and aspiring young chefs in Egypt: While we may not have qualified for the Culinary Arts Olympics this year, I urge you not to be discouraged. Participating in international competitions demands immense dedication and perseverance, qualities that we undoubtedly possess. However, one significant obstacle we face is the lack of financial support.

The expenses associated with traveling as a team to compete in such events require substantial funding, and unfortunately, amidst currency challenges, it proved challenging for us to participate this year. Nevertheless, let this setback serve as motivation to work even harder for future opportunities. With determination and support, I am confident that we can showcase our culinary expertise on the global stage in the times to come.

Participation in culinary pursuits extends beyond international competitions alone. There exist numerous avenues for involvement and skill-building, including:

• Local Competitions: Egypt hosts a variety of local culinary contests throughout the year, offering an excellent platform to showcase talents and network with chefs from diverse backgrounds.
• Festivals and Food Markets: Engage in festivals and food markets to demonstrate your culinary prowess before a sizable audience. Explore opportunities to partake in live cooking demonstrations or host your own culinary showcases.
• Volunteer in Esteemed Restaurants: Offer your services in renowned restaurants or establishments with a stellar reputation. Volunteering provides invaluable hands-on experience and the chance to learn from seasoned professionals.
• Continuous Learning: Enroll in cooking training courses tailored to your interests and aspirations. Investing in ongoing education is key to honing skills and staying abreast of industry trends.
• Diversify Culinary Knowledge: Expand your culinary horizons by delving into cookbooks from various cultures and cuisines. This exploration fosters creativity and broadens culinary perspectives.
• Innovative Presentations: Experiment with novel ingredients and cooking techniques to elevate the presentation of your dishes. Embrace creativity and embrace the opportunity to surprise and delight diners.
• Passion is Paramount: Cultivate a genuine passion for cooking, as it is the driving force behind culinary excellence. Let your enthusiasm and dedication shine through in every dish you prepare.
• Familiarize Yourself with Competition Standards: Stay informed about the rules and regulations governing international competitions.
• Leverage Social Media: Establish a professional presence on social media platforms to showcase your culinary creations.
• Foster Connections: Forge meaningful relationships with chefs from diverse backgrounds, both locally and internationally. Networking opens doors to collaboration and continuous learning.
• Maintain Optimism and Perseverance: Uphold a positive mindset and persevere in the face of challenges. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and remain steadfast in pursuing your culinary dreams.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!