Culinary students claim first prize in national competition

Two talented culinary students from the 1000 Hills Chef School have made their mark at the 2024 RCL Foods Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge, claiming first place and a cash prize of R30 000.

Liam Nair, 21, from Pietermaritzburg, and Joel Gayapersad, 19, from Port Shepstone, emerged victorious in the final round of the prestigious competition, that took place in Durban last Thursday.

Along with their personal winnings, the duo also secured an additional R5000 for their school and were awarded the coveted GeoChem hygiene award for their exceptional hygiene practices.

Reflecting on their win, the young chefs expressed immense pride. “This is something we’ve been working towards for a long time,” Gayapersad shared. The pair had entered the competition last year but didn’t make it past the semi-finals. “We entered again this year, and we were determined to go all the way,” he added.

Nair and Gayapersad attributed their success to the unwavering support of their families and school, which they said had been instrumental in their journey.

For the two young chefs, the competition was not only a chance to win but also an opportunity to engage with some of South Africa’s top culinary talents. “Getting to interact with the country’s leading chefs and gaining industry exposure was an unforgettable experience,” Nair said.

Both students discovered their love for cooking through family connections.

Nair's passion for food was nurtured by his grandparents. “I used to share my day with my grandfather over meals and spent countless hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning how food brings people together,” he said.

Gayapersad’s culinary journey began with helping his mother in the kitchen from a young age. “I fell in love with cooking over the years, particularly with creating flavours and blending spices,” he said.

Looking ahead, both Nair and Gayapersad have exciting plans for their winnings. Nair intends to invest a portion of his prize and use the rest to buy gifts for those who supported him along the way. Gayapersad shares similar intentions, with plans to invest, reward his supporters, and purchase something special to commemorate the win.

With last year’s winners hailing from the Western Cape, Nair and Gayapersad are proud to have brought the title back to KwaZulu-Natal. Their victory serves as an inspiration to aspiring chefs across the province, highlighting the value of determination, passion, and family support in achieving one’s dreams.