Finalists Jostle For Cash Prizes As KCCN Stages Last ‘Hansik’ Food Contest August 31 [PICTURES]

Up to nine contestants have emerged for the final stage of Hansik (Korean food) contest scheduled for August 31, 2024 in Abuja.

Organised by the Korea Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN), the contest had 18 persons who competed in the second stage before the finalists were determined.

Those who will square off in the final competition, involving a mix of Korean and Nigerian food condiments, as released by KCCN are Adenike Mogbojuri, Francis Anna Apona, Mmmadubueze Cynthia Nkiruka, Victor Mac-Adonai Ogagaoghene and Hauwa Ibrahim Nuhu.

Others are Jibrin Halima Sadiya, Mamofede Tamarautarelayefa & Ogbalu Pearl Chuwugozirim, Patience Vincent Berepele and Yahya Umar Bindir.

The food make-up that propelled the finalists are Ganjang Jijimdak, Japchae, Dakbogkeumtang, Japchae and Vegan Japchae as well as Kosai with Doenjang, Doenjang Goat Pepper Soup were prepared by Adenike Mogbojuri, Francis Anna Apona, Mmmadubueze Cynthia Nkiruka, Victor Mac-Adonai Ogagaoghene and Hauwa Ibrahim Nuhu respectively.

Halima Sadiya, Mamofede Tamarautarelayefa & Ogbalu Pearl Chuwugozirim, Patience Vincent Berepele and Yahya Umar Bindir prepared Nigerian-Gochujang Beef Stew, Ganjang Jjimdak, Gochujang Jjigae with Nigerian Fusion and Dakgangjeong respectively.

Talking about the essence of the contest, KCCN director and a judge for the food contest, Kim Chang-ki, said it was geared towards propagating the various Korean food items.

He said at the end, the overall winners, runners-up and third placed contestant will win cash prizes, adding that the remaining competitors are still expected to make fusion cuisine blended with Korean and Nigerian foods.

Responding, one of the finalists – Jibrin Halima Sadiya said she expects tougher contest in the final but that she is optimistic of victory at last.

“The contest has been full of anxiety but I’m expecting to come up tops due to the efforts I put in the previous rounds,” she said.

Another contestant, Mamofede Tamarautarelayefa, said, “the contest provided me opportunity to learn more about Korea cuisine. Although, we have been to classes but we were never made to experience the cooking contest aspect with available dishes.”

In an interview with Blueprint, a judge and professional chef, Godfrey Odoh, said the cooking contest will further enhance the knowledge of available food option beyond Nigeria.

“It will also create more employment because when the farmers get to know of the Korean foods as being a globally acceptable, they will go for available species and cultivate more.

“It will create the synergy between Nigerian and Korean chefs because the combination of ingredients from both countries by the contestants brought about great specie taste,” Chef Odoh who is the Vice President – North Central zone, Association of Professional Chefs in Nigeria said.