In an exquisite convergence of tradition, innovation, and youthful brilliance, the Young Talents Escoffier – Asia Pacific 2025 unfolded in Ho Chi Minh City from October 20 to 22, marking a milestone for the region’s rising culinary and service stars.
The Young Talents Escoffier – Asia Pacific 2025 was held from Oct 20-22.
From its opening moments at UEF – Ho Chi Minh University of Economics & Finance, the Young Talents Escoffier – Asia Pacific 2025 radiated with energy and artistry. The event brought together aspiring chefs and service professionals from across the region, each embodying the legacy of Auguste Escoffier — the legendary chef who redefined French gastronomy through discipline, elegance, and imagination.
Over three days, the competition transformed Vietnam’s vibrant metropolis into a stage where culinary tradition met creative renewal, culminating in a series of prestigious celebrations, from a thrilling competition day to a convivial BBQ Party and a glittering Black Tie Gala Dinner at The Reverie Saigon.
Aspiring chefs and service professionals came from across the region to attend the event.
Craft And Character
The heart of the event unfolded on October 20, where contestants showcased both culinary artistry and refined service under professional scrutiny. Each performance demonstrated not only technical skill but also the personal stories, cultural influences, and inspirations that drive the next generation of hospitality visionaries.
Cuisine Category – “Flavors of Tonkin”
In a five-hour test of precision and endurance, cuisine competitors paid homage to Vietnam’s Northern heritage through the theme “Flavors of Tonkin.” Each young chef was challenged to prepare two dishes inspired by classical Escoffier foundations yet infused with local Vietnamese ingredients.
The first dish, Duck Ballotine with Turnips, Autumn Bicolor Flan, and Pommes Dauphines, was presented whole before being gracefully carved on tableside, a performance of precision and poise. The task demanded not only technical mastery but also reverence for Escoffier’s classical reduction techniques, executed with a perfect balance of flavor and presentation.
Contestants in the Cuisine category faced a demanding five-hour challenge inspired by Vietnamese heritage and Escoffier’s classical foundations.
The second creation, Tropical Fruit Baba, offered an elegant reinterpretation of a French classic, where babas were soaked in Ruhm Sampan, Vietnam’s artisanal rum, then layered with tropical fruit crémeux, finished with a citrus glaze and fresh fruit slices. The result was a poetic expression of culinary harmony, where the richness of French pâtisserie met the vibrant freshness of Vietnamese ingredients, an exquisite dialogue between East and West on the palate. Through these creations, the chefs celebrated not just flavors but a deeper understanding of cultural identity, creativity, and respect for culinary lineage.
Service Category – “Historical Monument”
The service competition tested elegance, knowledge, and composure across seven meticulous challenges, united under the theme “Historical Monument.” Candidates were tasked with setting an elegant “Prestige” table for four, presenting their concept and design philosophy to the jury, and showcasing mastery in cocktail creation, tableside preparation, and wine pairing.
The Service competitors faced a demanding 4-hour test.
Highlights included the Phở-inspired cocktail, blending national identity with mixological innovation; the delicate preparation of Œufs Mimosa served tableside; and the service of a Salt-Crusted Barramundi Fish and Salted Caramel Banana Flambé, all performed before the judges with the poise and charm that define the Escoffier spirit. Through every movement from folding napkins to pouring wine, competitors expressed an artistry that turned service into performance and hospitality into emotion.
The BBQ Party and Award Ceremony was held at Le P’ti Saigon Restaurant.
The evening of October 21 at Le P’ti Saigon Restaurant was dedicated to camaraderie and shared achievement. Under the soft glow of Saigon’s skyline, participants, judges, mentors, and sponsors gathered for the BBQ Party and Award Ceremony, a night that captured the warmth and humility at the heart of the Escoffier family.
A Gala Night At The Reverie Saigon
Guests were taken on an exquisite five-course journey curated by a stellar lineup of chefs: Võ Thành Vương, Jérémie Gillon, and Thierry Drapeau, each distinguished with MICHELIN recognition, joined by Tsuruhara Shozo and Bertrand Sommereux, two names synonymous with international fine dining excellence.
The evening gave a toast to the next generation of chefs and service professionals.
Every course, every pairing, and every presentation was a tribute to the enduring legacy of Escoffier, bridging classical artistry with contemporary refinement. The evening shone as both a celebration of achievement and a promise for the future, a toast to the next generation of chefs and service professionals who will carry forward the values of passion, integrity, and excellence.