Attendees of the 2024 Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge gathered to travel the world with their taste buds, sampling bites and beverages from participating DC-based foreign embassies. Embassy chefs showcased the unique flavors, food products and beverages of their home countries in a culinary showdown at the historic Union Station. Chefs competed to win the coveted People’s Choice Award, chosen by guests’ votes, as well as the Judges’ Choice Award, selected by a panel of influential members of the cultural and culinary communities.
Chef Jovana Urriola representing the Embassy of Panama took home first place in the Judge’s Choice category with their Panamanian Style Afro Caribbean Chicken Tamale Dumplings. Chefs Lin Song, Lu Tao, Li XiaoFeng, Jia Wehhni and Zhu Xianglin representing the Embassy of the People's Republic of China won second place in the category with their variety of Sichuan Spicy Fish, Kung Pao Shrimp Balls, Sichuan Cold Spicy Noodles and Snowy Mooncakes. Placing third, Chefs Aris and Raymond Compres representing the Embassy of the Dominican Republic served a popular dish of Traditional Dominican Roasted Pork with casabe and yucca (from indigenous Tainos).
Attendees of the night had the opportunity to vote for their favorite embassies as they tasted their way around the globe. Chefs Damain Leach and Ann-Marie Leach representing the Embassy of Barbados took home first place with their Curry Lamb and Breadfruit Coucou. Second People’s Choice to Chef Bandar Alhenaki from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia with their serving of Jareesh, Dates Cake, Pistachio Cake and Truffles. And Chef Wattanaphong Kongwattana representing the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand placed third with the Beef Massaman Curry and Pla Goong.
This year the Embassy of Peru took home the Best Beverage Award presented by Pepsi chosen by the judges. Mixologist Darwin Banegas shook up the competition with their Peruvian Chica Morada.
Media ready photos of the event are available here and will continue to be updated. All photos can be credited to Events DC.
The 2024 Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge was made possible with help from partners: Pepsi, Giant Food, Breakthru Beverage, and Land Rover Alexandria.
