Tarun Bhatia wins the Young Chef South East Asia final

Tarun Bhatia, the Chef de Partie from EK BAR in New Delhi, India has been named as the winner of the South East Asia challenge of S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016.

Following an intense live cooking competition from ten young semi-finalists from several countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Thailand, it was Bhatia’s winning signature dish: ‘Inspirational Daab Chingri’, made with fresh prawns marinated in a malai curry puree that saw him take the title for the region.

The judging panel and jury of six dynamic professional chefs namely: Alvin Leung, Umberto Bombana, Ian Kittichai, Bo Songvisava, Will Meyrick (mentor) and Emmanuel Stroobant were unanimous in their decision that Bhatia’s unique interpretation of a traditional Indian dish using basic ingredients was capable of taking the team to the world stage in October.

 “I am thrilled to be representing not only India but Southeast Asia and competing with the world's best young chefs.” said chef Tarun Bhatia. “The bigger challenge is awaiting in Milan, but I guess the bigger the challenge the better you get. A humble Indian curry can go a long way and I think it’s just the beginning.”

Bhatia will now spend the coming months honing his skills preparing to represent South East Asia at the Grand Final taking place in Milan in October where he will face off against 19 other Young Chefs in front of the Seven Sages.