Hanoi chefs win big at Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia 2026

Competing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 21 to 24, HCA members claimed 14 gold medals, 12 silver medals, 11 bronze medals and nine gold trophies across multiple competition categories.

Among the competition's biggest winners was chef Do Thi Oanh, who earned a gold medal and was named Most Outstanding Chef of GCCM 2026.

Chef Pham Xuan Tung captured a gold medal and the overall gold trophy in the fruit and vegetable carving category, while chef Bui Minh Tuan secured a gold medal and the Top 1 Asian Noodle Delight award.

Furthermore, Chef Pham Van Dong brought home the gold medal and the trophy in the same category. Chefs Le Quang Dat and Nguyen Ha Phuong lifted gold trophies in the fruit and vegetable carving and Pastry Pro Master Challenge categories, respectively.

In the team category, Team SA4 Team 1 comprising Pham Van Dong, Ngo Doan Lenh, Tran Van Hao, Hoang Minh Hoang, and Nguyen An An bagged five gold medals and the trophy in the GCCM Global Café Catering Team Challenge.

Other five medalists were Team SE4 Team 2 featuring members Bui Minh Tuan, Duc The Nam, Do Thi Oanh, Nguyen Van Thang, and Nguyen Van Anh who also took the trophy in the same event.

In particular, Team A1 achieved an outstanding victory, winning the championship trophy at the GCCM Global United Cup Team Challenge – Black Box Final, while Team A2 won two bronze medals in the Three Chinese Style Assorted Dishes Challenge.

Alongside the success of the Hanoi Chefs Association, the Vietnam Pastry Alliance (SPC) with only three members secured four trophies, three gold medals, one silver medal, and four bronze medals. These achievements further affirm the comprehensive capabilities of Vietnamese chefs across various disciplines.

The achievements at GCCM 2026 further affirm cuisine as a key strength of Vietnam's tourism sector. The dishes showcased and honoured on this international stage demonstrate exceptional culinary techniques, creativity, and aesthetic appeal, while sharing stories of Vietnamese culture, people, and identity with the global community. With a haul of 37 medals and 9 gold trophies, the Hanoi Chefs Association team enjoyed a highly successful competition, further elevating the status of Vietnamese cuisine on the global culinary map.

Vietnamese cuisine has gained increasing international recognition in recent years, with traditional dishes consistently appearing in global food rankings while Vietnamese chefs continue to earn accolades at international competitions.

Beyond flavour alone, Vietnamese culinary professionals are increasingly recognised for their technical skills, creativity and ability to meet international standards in presentation and innovation.

As Vietnam continues to promote cultural industries and tourism as important drivers of economic growth, cuisine has become an increasingly effective form of cultural diplomacy, showcasing the country's heritage, creativity and identity while strengthening Vietnam's appeal as a global travel destination.

Hanoi chefs to compete at culinary competition in Thailand

VOV.VN - A see-off ceremony for the Hanoi chefs’ team was held at Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) on May 24 ahead of their participation in the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2026 in Bangkok.