Hospitality transcends the bounds of a mere job—it’s an esteemed career, a refined profession, and, for many, a true calling. This spirit is celebrated by the international hospitality competition, Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist (YYY), making its grand return to Asia this year. As the regional media partner, Tatler will deliver exclusive coverage and insightful commentary on all the exciting moments from the competition.
World YYY aims to recognise, motivate and give these rising stars a platform to shine and excel. With mentorship from industry legends and a supportive global community, the competition also helps address the industry’s staff shortage and skills gap. As dining editor and proud ambassador for this event, I eagerly anticipate the display of skill and creativity that will shape the future of hospitality.
This year, Thailand will join Singapore and Hong Kong in the world competition for the first time, further expanding the global talent pool in hospitality.
The competition
YCYW 2023
This competition is open to all young professional chefs, waiters and mixologists aged 28 and under, in the hospitality sector.
A panel of esteemed judges will sift through the applicants, selecting four finalists in each of the three categories. The country finals will culminate in a three-course meal for VIP guests, where one chef, one waiter, and one mixologist will be paired to deliver a seamless dining experience, among other challenges. Their performances will be meticulously evaluated to crown a winner in each category.
The victorious trio will then head to the world finals in Singapore from November 15 to 17, where they’ll team up to compete against entrants from 12 other countries for the grand prize of US$15,000.
Registration for the competition is now open for Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand.
For further details or to apply, visit youngchefyoungwaiter.com
Judges and support
Shane Osborn will be a chef judge again this year
This competition is backed by some of the biggest names in hospitality. In Asia, experts such as Shane Osborn of Arcane, Richard Ekkebus of Amber, and Lindsay Jang of Yardbird in Hong Kong, along with Kirk Westaway of Jaan and Tristan Farm of Zén in Singapore, lend their expertise. Joining Osborn and Ekkebus on the judging panel in Hong Kong this year is ArChan Chan of Ho Lee Fook, with more announcements to come as the competition approaches.
From the UK, legends like Raymond Blanc OBE, Heston Blumenthal OBE, and Gordon Ramsay also lend their support. With such stellar mentorship, contestants have a prime environment to showcase their talents.
YYY on the global stage
YYY has come a long way since its UK inception in 1979. Expanding globally in 2022, Singapore made a memorable debut, securing second place at the World Finals in Monaco. In 2023, the competition reached new heights with Hong Kong’s first participation, thanks to Hong Kong-based catering and events group Feste Group, and the addition of the Young Mixologist category in Singapore. Singapore shone brightly, sweeping all three categories at the World Finals in Monaco. Hats off to Young Chef Ian Tan of Bottega Di Carne, Young Waiter Belle Torres of Restaurant Zen, and Young Mixologist Zana Mohlmann of Manhattan Singapore.
Looking ahead, Singapore and Hong Kong are joining forces to bring World YYY to Thailand, promising a dynamic and diverse showcase of talent on the global stage.
Dates for the finals in Asia
Singapore: Sunday, October 6, 2024
Bangkok, Thailand: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Hong Kong: Friday, October 11, 2024
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