16 April 2025, Politeknik Melaka - The General Studies Department and Commerce Department of Politeknik Melaka successfully held the "Speak Like a Chef: Cooking Competition" under the inspiring direction of Madam Fariza Haidayu Binti Mohd. Hashim (Event Director). Conceptualized and spearheaded by Madam Fariza, this innovative program challenged participants to showcase both culinary talents and English proficiency through professional-style presentations.

Judging Panel

The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges;

• Madam Ashina binti Abdul Rashid with her judging partner (Founder, Nogori Foods)

• Mr. Bilquis Zsa Zsa Khassoggi bin Mustapah (Professional Chef)

• Madam Adlena Hany binti Abu Adam (English Lecturer, Politeknik Melaka)

Highlights of the Event

The competition emphasized both cooking skills and English communication, requiring participants to describe their dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques fluently in English. Many teams creatively incorporated the "Shabushabu" theme into their presentations, blending culinary innovation with confident English delivery. The event also featured new products like "Shabushabu Daging & Daging Shabushabu Kisar," adding an extra layer of excitement.

Competition Results

After a rigorous evaluation of both culinary excellence and English presentation, the winners were announced;

1. 1. 1st Place: Engawa Chef – Japanese Food

   2. 2nd Place: Minang Group – Minang Pasta Minced Beef

   3. Joint 3rd Place;

      • JMSK Kebaboom – Black Shabu Shabu Twist

      • NYN – Shabushabu Spaghetti Bolognese

         

   Other notable rankings included:

   • 5th Place: Jawa Group – Shabu Black Pepper

   • 6th Place: Trio To See – Cheezylicious Mamacaroni

   • 7th Place: Team Dedek Kiyomi – Shabushabu Tomyam

   • 8th Place: Kuali Geng – Daging Masak Lemak Cili Padi

   • 9th Place: We Love Dr Azi – Italian Beef Spaghetti Bolognese

   • 10th Place: JP X JKA – Tangle in Tradition/Action - Spaghetti Bolognese

A special accolade was awarded to Adam Danish Bin Adzrai as "The Best Chef" for his exceptional combination of culinary skill and English-language presentation.

Closing Remarks

The Speak Like a Chef competition highlighted the importance of language proficiency in the culinary arts, encouraging participants to refine both their cooking and communication skills. The organizing committee, led by Madam Fariza Haidayu, extends gratitude to all participants, judges, and sponsors for making this visionary program a success.

Stay tuned for more events that blend creativity, skill, and language mastery! 

GROUP: ENGAWA CHEF

GROUP: MINANG

GROUP: NYN

GROUP: JAWA

GROUP: KUALI GENG

GROUP: TRIO TO SEE

GROUP: JMSK KEBABOOM

GROUP: TEAM DEDEK KIYOMI

GROUP: JP X JKA

GROUP: WE LOVE DR AZI