(VNF) - The combination of Vietnamese lotus flowers and Korean bibimbap brought Chu Ngoc Doanh the first prize of the Global Taste of Korea Contest 2017 on June 30.

Doanh, 24, executive chef of Manna Bean restaurant (Hanoi) becomes champion by cooking bibimbap. His dish was highly praised by the judges, thank to the harmony in decoration, delicate taste and balance in nutrients.

Doanh's bibimbap impressed the judges as a harmonious blend of Vietnamese and Korean cuisines, from the look to the flavor. The taste of bibimbap, besides original ingredients like eggs, meat, kimchi, was enhanced by subtle fragrance of lotus seed.

Doanh's lotus bibimbap (source: Vietnamese Women News)

The bowl of bibimbap was placed in the middle of a fresh lotus leaf, while the dish was garnished with the Vietnam's national flower, which are in full bloom during summer. The chef also add in different kinds of Vietnamese vegetables, while respecting the original version of bibimbap by using Korean spices like sesame oil and chili sauce.

"Rice is the main ingredient to mix with vegetables, meat and egg. I want to make use of different kinds of Vietnamese vegetables," said Doanh. "I decided to make it because the traditional dish is healthy and I can make the dish eye-catching with colorful ingredients."

The contest was held by the Republic of Korea Embassy in Vietnam for all Vietnamese who are interested in Korean cuisine. The final round saw the participation of ten contestants selected from among hundreds of applicants. The judges team was headed by Lady Won Hwa Soon, spouse of the RoK ambassador, and Kim Jung Mi, owner of the Gogu restaurant in Hanoi.

The Global Taste of Korea contest was held annually around the world with the final round in the Republic of Korea. Starting this year, the finals will only take place once in three years, but the contest will be held annually in Vietnam./.

( VNF )