The inaugural Macau National Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs* Competition 2025 and its award ceremony took place on Saturday at the private Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), with local chef Lo Lei Pak emerging as champion followed by Damon Jiang Zhenxi and Wang Qiufu in second and third places.
The one-day event, venue-sponsored by MUST’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, saw 10 chefs aged 26 and under vying for prizes, according to a statement released on Saturday by organiser Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – Bailliage National de Macau, adding that the competition was divided into morning and afternoon sessions.
The statement said that each contestant undertook a four-hour “Mystery Basket Challenge”, requiring them to design and craft a “three-course Western or International menu, comprising appetiser, main course, and dessert, using surprise ingredients revealed on-site”.
Each dish was evaluated by a panel of culinary professionals that looked at “technique, presentation, flavour, hygiene, time management, and overall performance”, the statement said.
The statement noted that Lo, who won the championship title, is slated to represent Macau at “International Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition” in Istanbul in April.
During the award ceremony, the statement noted that Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Acting Director Jennifer Si Tou emphasised in her speech “the importance of nurturing young culinary talent and enhancing Macau’s global reputation as a gastronomic destination”.
Moreover, the statement quoted Bailli Délégué, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – Bailliage National de Macau, Ada Chio de la Cruz as saying: “Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is devoted to the global elevation of culinary excellence, uniting professionals and enthusiasts in a shared pursuit of artistry, tradition, and innovation. In Macau, our Bailliage stands as a proud steward of this legacy – committed to cultivating the next generation of gastronomic talent, enriching the city’s culinary heritage, and amplifying its voice on the world stage”.
Paris-based Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, according to its website, is an International Association of Gastronomy. It is established in over 80 countries and has close to 25,000 members.
*French for “young chef roasters”
This photo taken and released on Saturday by Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – Bailliage National de Macau shows guests and representatives, along with chefs and judges, posing after the “Macau National Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition 2025” and award ceremony held on the same day. It is not stated where the photo was taken.
