Deborah Cooks Her Way To South Korea & N1m Cash Prize

Olabelurin Deborah has emerged the winner of the second version of the Hansik (Korean) Meals Contest.

Deborah cooked her technique to a grand prize of N1 million and a visit to Korea; whereas Ruth Igbayilola Olowu and Persistence Berepele positioned second and third, with N700,000 and N400,000 money prizes.

That is the primary time the competitors is throwing in a visit to Korea as a part of the rewards for the winner. And to assume that Deborah almost missed it.

Because the contestant initially admitted to LEADERSHIP, she had no intention of making use of this 12 months, contemplating her elimination on the semi-finals of the competition final 12 months. Nonetheless, when the competition deadline was prolonged, she thought, “why not? I really like cooking. There’s nothing to lose”.

This time, she determined (based mostly on the competition requirement of an ordinary Korean commonplace delicacies, no fusions) – to lean in closely on the Jang (the competition theme and Hansik foundational ingredient) in her Pan-Fried Sticky Ribs foremost course and Braised Beef in Soy Sauce in any other case generally known as (Jangjorim). It labored to her favour.

“She caught intently to the appliance of the Jang, infusing it into no matter class of dishes she made. There’s additionally her plating, the simplicity of her dish, and the minimal problem she had whereas making ready the meal. She was on the high of her sport at each beat. I wasn’t shocked she received,” stated a jury chef on the contest, Chef Godfrey Mario Odoh.

Accepting her money prize and golden cup, an excited Deborah screamed on the viewers, “We’re going to Korea.” (Effectively, her, not the viewers).

Securing the second place forward of two different earlier winners within the contest was Ruth Igbayilola Olowu along with her foremost dish – Spicy Beef Bulgogi with Rice, and a Pan-Fried Tofu and Sauce facet dish. Igbayilola initially got here into the competition intimidated by the considered competing with earlier winners. However then, she opted to do it for the expertise. Thereafter she stated, “I relaxed and had enjoyable.”

Winner of the maiden version, Mrs Persistence Berepele, got here in third with a money prize of N400,000.

“It was a really eager contest and all people got here ready this time,” she smiled. Whereas she could have missed out on a visit to Korea, she feels validated to be part of the highest three winners once more. “Making it to the primary three means one thing. I’m actually going to get my meals vlog going now.”

Established in August 2024, the Korean Tradition Middle Nigeria (KCCN) Hansik Meals Contest goals to introduce Nigerians to Korean delicacies, which on the time, they’d skilled solely in Korean soaps and -movies. The primary version featured an internet Preliminary stage, a primary, second and closing rounds, alongside a number of preparatory lessons.

The second version, which felt rushed, owing to the middle’s director Mr Kim Chang-Ki finish of tenure in June, featured an offline Preliminary and closing rounds, alongside a preparatory class.

It attracted 40 candidates, the very best entries of the competition up to now, and extra help from the Korea Meals Promotion Institute (KFPI).

The competition witnessed additional development. As an example, the jury (cooks) have been concerned from the prepping to the ending of the competition. This allowed the judges to view all 12 contestants’ capabilities – those that had problem making ready their meals, people who didn’t adhere to the security guidelines of cooking whereas prepping, the plating course of amongst others.

“There was an enormous enchancment and we hope to see extra subsequent 12 months,” stated Chef Odo.

Addressing the destiny of the competition put up his administration, Director Chang-Ki stated, “The competition will proceed subsequent 12 months. I launched the Hansik contest as a result of I noticed Nigerians liked Korean tradition. They already had Okay-pop contest, however I wished them to expertise and revel in different points of Korean tradition.”

In the course of his two-year tenure, Chang-Ki additionally made good on his promise to increase the Korean artistes’ expertise on the Korea Nationwide Day occasion, which noticed final 12 months, along with conventional artistes, a well-liked Korean digital deejay, and an internationally acclaimed, Okay-pop Modern & traditional Band group carry out.

Different actions on the occasion embrace Okay-Pop dance performances by the teams ‘Jumparewa’ and ‘Extreem Motion’, and a collection of video games as – Korean Spicy Ramyeon Competitors, Korean Meals Focus Recreation and a Korean Chopstick sport, which noticed dozens of the viewers win packs of Korean cup noodles and cutleries.