S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award Winner Ardy Ferguson and Mentor Matthew Kirkley of Belon
Words by Aude Camus
For those of you who don’t know, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is an international platform that nurtures young talent in the culinary world, creating a space where emerging chefs can connect, learn, and make their mark. Its signature event - the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition - brings together the best under-30 chefs from around the globe for a series of intense regional and global cook-offs. The aim? Identifying the next generation of culinary talents.
On Monday 28 October, I had the pleasure to attend the awards ceremony rounding off prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition’s Asia finale, and let me tell you, the energy was as electric as the talent! Over a full day, 10 talented under-30 chefs pulled out all the stops, working under the guidance of their mentors to dazzle a panel of culinary giants. The stakes? Nothing less than the chance to represent Asia in Milan’s Global Finale next year.
For those of you who don’t know, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is an international platform that nurtures young talent in the culinary world, creating a space where emerging chefs can connect, learn, and make their mark. Its signature event - the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition - brings together the best under-30 chefs from around the globe for a series of intense regional and global cook-offs. The aim? Identifying the next generation of culinary talents.
On Monday 28 October, I had the pleasure to attend the awards ceremony rounding off prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition’s Asia finale, and let me tell you, the energy was as electric as the talent! Over a full day, 10 talented under-30 chefs pulled out all the stops, working under the guidance of their mentors to dazzle a panel of culinary giants. The stakes? Nothing less than the chance to represent Asia in Milan’s Global Finale next year.
From left to right: Vicky Lau, Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam, Johanne Siy, Vicky Cheng, Alessandro Guardini, Richie Lin, and David Lai
A quick roll call of the regional judges is enough to make any foodie’s heart skip a beat: Vicky Cheng, David Lai, and Vicky Lau (the bright stars of Wing, Neighborhood, and Tate Dining Room) were there to represent Hong Kong. Joining them were Johanne Siy from Singapore’s Lolla, crowned Asia’s 50 Best Female Chef 2023, Richie Lin of Taipei’s MUME, Thailand’s rising star Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam of Baan Tepa Culinary Space in Bangkok, and Alessandro Guardini of Michelin-starred Muni Alain Ducasse in Kyoto, all here to evaluate each chef’s technical skills, creativity, and that unique culinary identity.
Ardy's Archipelago Celebration
When it came time to name the winner, the room was on edge. And the crown went to Hong Kong’s own Indonesian-Canadian chef Ardy Ferguson from Belon! In his signature style, Ardy paid tribute to his Indonesian heritage with his winning dish, Archipelago Celebration. Imagine duck lacquered in red wine vinegar and smoked with local sugar cane, served with a fragrant sate padang sauce -all inspired by the rich flavours of Nasi Tempung but crafted with a Hong Kong flair. His creation was a true marriage of his roots and his Hong Kong journey.
With a beaming smile and the cheers of his peers, Ardy accepted the title, and now he’s Milan-bound, where he’ll represent Asia in the global showdown.
Want to cheer him on in person? Stop by Belon, where you can taste Ardy’s culinary skills firsthand (and maybe give him a well-deserved high five). Until then, let’s all be rooting for him as he takes Hong Kong - and Asia - to the global stage next year!
With a beaming smile and the cheers of his peers, Ardy accepted the title, and now he’s Milan-bound, where he’ll represent Asia in the global showdown.
Want to cheer him on in person? Stop by Belon, where you can taste Ardy’s culinary skills firsthand (and maybe give him a well-deserved high five). Until then, let’s all be rooting for him as he takes Hong Kong - and Asia - to the global stage next year!