The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Madagascar organized the first edition of the Korean cooking competition, an unprecedented event aimed at promoting the richness of Korean culinary culture with the Malagasy public, this Saturday. Eight finalists, selected from 26 candidates during the preliminary events, clashed during the grand finale held within the embassy.
It was Lucile Andriambololona who won first place thanks to her innovative dish: a Doenjang Jjigae with rice sheet ravioli in Kimchi, a creation that seduced the jury by his audacity and her mastery of Korean flavors. Second place returned to Mendrika Tefiniaina Andriantsimbanimosa for its tasty Bulgogi pork in the Gochujang, while Yvanah Luciana Mahandimby won third position with its Gochujang Jjigae in Pork, a spicy and comforting dish.
In a vibrant speech, Korea Ambassador, Park Ji-Hyun, explained that the objective of this competition was to introduce the diversity and richness of Korean cuisine, while encouraging its adoption through dishes prepared with local ingredients. “” Fermentation, in the heart of these sauces like traditional Ganjang (soy sauce), Gochujang (chili paste) and doenjang (fermented soy paste), is a process that requires patience, but which enriches flavors and offers health benefits. It is a metaphor for life and cultural exchange “Added the ambassador, highlighting the similarities between the Malagasy and Korean cultures, in particular their common love for rice, the basic food of the two peoples.
The event was not limited to competition. A second phase, in the form of a culinary workshop, allowed participants and the public to learn the preparation of Korean dishes. The ambassador expressed her wish to see Korean sauces become more accessible in Malagasy supermarkets and announced that the Embassy plans to organize this competition annually. “” We want to strengthen cultural and culinary exchanges between our two countries. This competition is a unique opportunity to bring our peoples closer through food, which is at the heart of Korean identity. In Korea, we greet ourselves saying: Have you eaten? This shows how essential cooking is to our culture “She said.
Heriniaina Samson
