Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge : Global Finalists 

The opening ceremony of the Dilmah Real High Tea Global Challenge kick-started with the participation of 21 teams from 14 countries, the global media and the judges including Presiding Judge – Bernd Uber, Culinary Judge – Simon Gault (MasterChef New Zealand), Culinary Judge Peter Kuruvita (Award winning restaurateur and celebrity Chef) and Tea Judge Dilhan C. Fernando (tea taster and son of the founder of Dilmah).

Dilhan C. Fernando, welcomed the gathering restating the importance of the Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge and emphasizing on the fact that the challenge is first and foremost, a celebration of nature, passion and humanity, understanding the quality and respecting the infinite variety in tea. The finalists were escorted onto the stage by Children of the MJF Charitable Foundation bearing the flags of their respective countries.

The finalists are in full spirit as the days are nearing closer to the biggest international culinary challenge in the world. They represent countries from around the world namely Australia, Chile, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, New Zealand, UAE and Netherlands. Following are some comments they have shared about the challenge:

Australia 2013 – Selvana Chelvanaigum & Ian Jones - “Tea has been a part of our life since childhood and always will be. We will continue serving tea in all its glory; we will share this journey with our friends, families, students, customers and we hope by doing this, it will not only be an enjoyable cup of tea bit it will create hope for kids and their families who have had the support of the Dilmah Foundation.”

Chile 2013 – Catalina Venegas - “I grew up in a small town surrounded by hills, between the Andes and the Pacific in central Chile is called Nogales. Family gatherings were always around meals, homemade by my grandmother, mother, aunts and cousins. In my home food was very important. I went to Japan to learn the language and get to know the culture, there I discovered the goodness of tea.”

France 2015 – Pierre-Jean Arpurt - “Since my younger days I have always been exposed to food and all its sensorial aspects. My parents also introduced me to the medical aspects of tea from a very young age. Dilmah is a real inspiration for me. Dilmah treats tea like winemakers treat grapes in France, giving it the respect and attention that goes in to making the drink that is loved by all.”

Hong Kong 2014 – Alex NG - “My first encounter with tea and food came from my usual Sundays spent with parents going to places for yum cha. We usually order large quantities of dim sum while enjoying tea at the same time. my ultimate goal is to enrich my knowledge in cake, dessert and chocolate making and to be able to create unique techniques and designs for pastry arts.”

Indonesia 2015 – Yuli Hariyanto - “I began my culinary career in 2002, starting off as a Commis Chef in an Italian restaurant of a five star hotel in Surabaya. My philosophy and approach to food is to present refined dishes that will tantalize the palate.”

Macau 2014 – Elen Dong - “I grew up in China’s northwest Shaanxi, Xian Yang province. I come from a small family and since childhood we all enjoyed drinking Tie Guan Yin Tea. Watching TV with a big pot of Tie Guan Yin tea accompanied with melon seeds and peanuts is one of the happiest moments in my childhood. Now, Dilmah green tea with Jasmine flowers is my favourite tea.”

Malaysia 2014 – Adli Kasi - “In Malaysia it is my family tradition to have a cup of tea anytime during the day and without it my day is incomplete. The variety of local delicacies which we have complements and enhances my tea experiences.”

Oman 2014 – Alpesh Dias - “Tea has been a very important part of my breakfast every day. A simple cup of chai was the kick start for the day for all my family members. Cooking has always been my passion. The biggest challenge I ever won was the Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge and it was a dream come true.”

Netherlands 2013 – Joost Van Der Hoven - “I grew up in the south of the Netherlands where food has always been a central item. Also every weekend the whole family will come together to enjoy a good meal and a drink. I am interested in the pastry and food related items and since the Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge, tea has also become a large part of my interests.”

Sri Lanka 2015 – Buddika Samarasekara - “I am from the Negombo area of Sri Lanka and I remember my grandmother cooking traditional Sri Lankan dishes which are out of this world! My mother’s family is fairly large and they drink 5-6 cups of tea per day without sugar. If I win the Dilmah Real High Tea Challenge I will be very happy and then retire from competing in challenges.”

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe