Blending Cultures: Chef Ajay Chopra's Masterclass at Guru Nanak Institute Unveils the Richness of EU Cuisine

In a vibrant fusion of Indian and European culinary traditions, Chef Ajay Chopra hosted an enlightening masterclass at the Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata. Here he celebrated the symphony of exquisite flavours and ingredients of the two regions with 40 enthusiastic students. 

In a showcase of culinary expertise and European flavours, Chef Ajay Chopra hosted a remarkable masterclass event on the 27th of February, 2024 at the Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata. This gathering was not just an educational session but a bridge between European and Indian cultures, facilitated by Chef Chopra, Ambassador of the More Than Food Campaign. The initiative aimed at enlightening aspiring chefs and professionals from the HORECA sector about the exquisite variety of European Union (EU) food and beverages.

The masterclass saw an enthusiastic turnout of 40 students, keen on diving deep into the culinary riches that the EU has to offer. The event was structured into three engaging segments: a session on knowledge sharing, a live cooking demonstration, and a vibrant networking and Q&A session, spanning two enriching hours.

The session kicked off with Chef Chopra conducting an interactive quiz to test the students' familiarity with the EU and its diverse produce. Following the quiz, he presented an insightful overview of the More Than Food campaign, the EU's quality schemes, and the assortment of food and beverages from the EU available in India.

During the cooking demonstration, Chef Chopra skillfully utilised 11 hero ingredients to whip up two mouth-watering Indo-European dishes. He emphasized the quality, authenticity, safety, and sustainability of these ingredients, offering students a chance to sample and understand the nuances of EU produce. A special focus was laid on Olive Oil, as the Chef demystified the process of selecting the right type based on distinctive flavour profiles.

To make the learning experience more immersive, Chef Chopra invited students to assist him in preparing the dishes. This hands-on approach allowed students to learn essential culinary skills, such as kneading dough and chopping vegetables, directly from a master of the craft.

The interaction peaked during the 'Fusion' challenge, where students were tasked to concoct a unique Indo-European recipe. The resulting creations, including a Gajar ka halwa tart, Butter-chicken quiche, and Focaccia bread with vada and pesto chutney, showcased the innovative spirit of the participants. Winners of this challenge were rewarded with leftover products from the demonstration and hampers, further sweetening the taste of victory.

This masterclass event at the Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, not only served as a platform for culinary exploration but also highlighted the rich tapestry of EU food culture. It successfully fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation among the budding chefs and HORECA professionals of the standards, diversity, and culinary excellence that the European Union represents.