Cambodia Investment Review
The Mekong region’s culinary diversity will take the spotlight at the upcoming Mekong Food Festival (MFF), set to take place in Phnom Penh from September 17 to 19, 2024. This inaugural event aims to bring together hospitality schools from across Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, with each school represented by three young chefs. These students will showcase their cooking skills while highlighting the unique ingredients native to their respective countries.
A key feature of the event will be the involvement of renowned celebrity chef Bobby Chinn, who will oversee the festival and lead a series of cooking demonstrations with the students. “I’m excited to be a part of this festival,” Chinn said, adding that “the Mekong region is home to some truly unique flavours, and this event offers an opportunity to highlight the incredible talent of young chefs from across these countries.”
A Window Into The Region’s Future Culinary Stars
The festival will also include a Cocktail Event on September 18, where attendees will be able to sample the students’ innovative culinary creations. This event is designed to give the public a chance to experience a blend of traditional Mekong flavours with modern culinary techniques, offering a window into the region’s future culinary stars.
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The three-day celebration will culminate in the White Hats Gala Dinner, scheduled for September 19 at 6:00 PM at the prestigious Raffles Hotel Le Royal. The gala will feature a collaborative menu crafted by both Bobby Chinn and prominent Cambodian chef Luu Meng, widely regarded as a leading figure in Cambodia’s culinary scene. The exclusive dinner aims to raise funds for the Naomi Scholarship Fund, which provides educational support to disadvantaged youth pursuing careers in the hospitality sector.
H.E. Hun Many, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service, along with H.E. Dr. Hangchuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, and H.E. Dr. Sok Siphanna, Senior Minister and Chairman of the Trade Policy Advisory Board, will preside over the gala. The presence of high-ranking officials reflects the event’s broader significance for Cambodia’s hospitality industry and its focus on supporting youth development.
Adding to the international dimension of the event, Ms. Abeer Farah from the Dubai Cares Foundation will attend as the guest of honour. Dubai Cares has been a strong supporter of the Academy of Culinary Arts Cambodia, which is playing a crucial role in training young Cambodians for careers in the hospitality industry, including at five-star hotels in the UAE. A special video showcasing success stories of Cambodian graduates employed in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will also be presented during the gala.
A Strategic Alliance Among Hospitality Schools
Pierre Tami, President of Shift 360, the organization behind the Mekong Food Festival, described the event as more than a showcase of regional culinary talent. “We are thrilled to launch this groundbreaking event in Phnom Penh. The Mekong Food Festival not only celebrates local products but also elevates them to new heights. It establishes a strategic alliance among hospitality schools across the Mekong region, aiming to enhance training standards and create greater opportunities for young people in the hospitality industry,” Tami said.
Shift 360, a development-focused organization, has long been involved in initiatives aimed at empowering communities and creating professional opportunities for young people and women. The organization also founded the Academy of Culinary Arts Cambodia, which has become a key training hub for future hospitality professionals. The Naomi Scholarship Fund, the beneficiary of the gala dinner’s proceeds, further underscores Shift 360’s commitment to supporting disadvantaged youth in accessing educational and career opportunities.
The festival has garnered significant support from partners including Emirates Airlines, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Celliers d’Asie, AirAsia, the Professional Institute of Excellence Association, and Dubai Cares Foundation. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to promoting excellence in the hospitality sector and supporting the next generation of culinary professionals.
For those interested in attending or learning more about the festival, Ms. Horn Raksmey, Event Coordinator, can be contacted directly. The festival is expected to draw considerable attention from both local and international audiences, particularly as it aims to strengthen ties across the Mekong region through a shared appreciation of food and culture.
Contact Information: Ms. Horn Raksmey, Event Coordinator
Mobile: 011 431 007
Email: mekongfoodfestival@shift360.ch
