Hanoi (VNA) – The Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2026 has concluded with an outstanding performance of Vietnam, as the country's chefs secured the prestigious champion team cup, together with 16 gold medals, 12 silver medals and four bronze medals.
Held from May 26 to 30 at the IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Centre in Bangkok, the competition was regarded as one of Asia's most prestigious professional culinary contests.
A landmark achievement for Vietnam
Bringing together thousands of chefs, culinary experts and internationally renowned judges from countries and territories around the world, the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge has long been recognised as a key benchmark of technical excellence, professional skills and international competitiveness for chefs across the region.
At the end of the competition in Bangkok, the Vietnam National Team, represented by the Saigon Professional Chefs Guild (SPC), emerged as one of the standout Vietnamese delegations.
The coveted Team 3 Chefs title was claimed by Nguyen Duc Quyen, Tran Thi Kieu and Le Van Tan, whose winning performance secured Vietnam's team championship.
The success followed months of intensive preparation and rigorous training designed to meet the exacting standards of international competition. It was made even more meaningful by the fact that it marked Vietnam's return to the top of the podium at the event after nine years, following the country's previous title – an individual championship won in 2017.
Alongside the team victory, a number of Vietnamese chefs also impressed in the individual categories. Huynh Thanh Huy, Nguyen Duong Thanh, Tran Thi Kieu, Le Van Tan and Phan Thi Yen Vi each claimed two gold medals.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Minh Nhi enjoyed one of the competition's most well-rounded campaigns, earning one gold medal, two silver medals and one bronze medal.
Industry observers highlighted one of Vietnam's greatest strengths this year as the successful blend of experienced chefs and an emerging generation of young culinary talents steadily making its mark on the international stage.
Nhi said he hopes vocational training institutions will create more opportunities for students to compete in reputable domestic and international culinary competitions, allowing young chefs to refine their skills while gaining exposure to global food cultures.
Hanoi team also leaves its mark
Alongside the achievements of the Saigon Professional Chefs Guild, the Hanoi Chefs Association also made a memorable impression at the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2026.
Competing in an international culinary contest for the first time, the five-member team returned home with two bronze medals, won by Luu Huynh Chau and Nguyen Thanh Hieu.
Their achievement came after months of disciplined preparation. Under the guidance of the coaching staff, team members continually refined menu concepts, sharpened cooking techniques, improved presentation skills, and developed the professionalism required to meet the demanding standards of international competition.
"The Hanoi Chefs Association's ambition extends far beyond the results of a single competition. We aim to develop a new generation of highly skilled young chefs who are capable of integrating into and competing in the international professional culinary arena," a team representative said.
The early successes achieved by chefs from both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are helping introduce the richness of Vietnamese culinary culture to international audiences.
At a time when gastronomy is increasingly recognised as one of the defining attractions of a destination, Vietnam's impressive performance at competitions such as the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2026 offers fresh opportunities for the country's culinary heritage to gain even greater recognition on the global stage./.
