Nine young chefs competed in Portugal for the title of European Young Chef of the year 2021. We are proud to announce that Espen Laumann, from Speilsalen, working with some of the best ingredients from Trøndelag, took the victory.
During The European Young Chef Awards, the participants make a traditional dish from the area they come from on the first day, and then use the same ingredients to create a new and innovative dish on day two.
The ingredients represent Trøndelag and being allowed to make Norwegian traditional food in a European competition is incredibly exciting. It is instructive to make traditional food and it is important to be able to pass on that knowledge also to those who come after us.
Espen Laumann, winner of European Young Chef Award
Espen was the only one of the nine candidates who presented fish as his traditional dish. Six others made a meat dish, one made a vegetarian dish while the last made dessert.
The competition is organised by IGCAT, International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism, som arrangerer konkurransen. Their goal is to focus on innovative and traditional food, in a sustainable food culture, promoting young, future chefs to become ambassadors for their region's food
Espen Laumann is originally from Brønnøysund. Today, he works as an apprentice in Speilsalen, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Britannia Hotel, run by Executive Head Chef Christophr Davidsen.
Espen has now qualified for the Norgescup in Stavanger, the national culinary contest which will be held in February 2022.
I've always wanted to be a chef. I became interested in food early on and my greatest pleasure is to please others with food I have made myself.
Espen Laumann
Congratulations Espen and good luck in Stavanger next year!