2021 Winners

African Speciality Chef
Bahati Wakulichombe

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi - Yas Island

Americas & Caribbean Speciality Chef
Nigel Lobo

Stars N Bars

Bartender of the Year
Grégoire Schnerb

COYA Abu Dhabi

British Speciality Chef
Russell Impiazzi

Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk

French Speciality Chef
Mathieu Balbino

Pierre’s Bistro

Indian Speciality Chef
Prashant Chipkar

Masti

Innovation Chef
Matthijs Stinnissen

BOCA

Italian Speciality Chef
Christian Carrieri

La Strega, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa

Japanese Speciality Chef
Kamlesh Joshi

Izakaya and Aqua

Meat Speciality Chef
Raymond Wong

Seafire Steakhouse & Bar

Mediterranean Speciality Chef
Mohamad Chabchoul

Grand Millennium Business Bay

Outstanding Achievement Award
Michael Kitts

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management

Pan Asian Speciality Chef
Tanudireja Lande

Barfly by Buddha Bar Abu Dhabi

Pastry Speciality Chef
Martua Sakti

The St. Regis Downtown Dubai

Seafood Speciality Chef
Stefan Vasic

Aquario, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah

Sommelier of the Year
Amal Raj Mohana

Burj Al Arab

Thai Speciality Chef
Kjell Kollin

The Thai Kitchen, Park Hyatt Dubai

The Pro Chef of the Year Culinary Competition 2021

UAE-based chefs in leadership positions were invited to submit their nomination for this category. This year’s format was a professional live cooking competition held on 28th November 2021 at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management. Three of the region’s top chefs competed in the cooking challenge to secure the ‘Pro Chef of the Year’ award.

Pro Chef of the Year
Troy Payne

The Pangolin Restaurant and Lounge

our partners

  • Hosted By
    The Pro Chef ME
  • Organised By
    CPI Media Group
  • Mystery Box Sponsor
    Kibsons
  • Strategic Partner
    International Centre for Culinary Arts
  • Prize Sponsor
    • Official Media Partner
      BBC Good Food ME