The Embassy Chef Challenge, one of the most locally loved and culturally significant culinary events to take place in D.C. is back again, pitting some of the most specialized chefs from around the world to compete for which embassy has the best chef and ultimately the best food! The incredibly popular event will be taking place at D.C.’s Union Station on Thursday, March 7th at 6 pm!
How do you attend the Embassy Chef Challenge?
To attend the Embassy Chef Challenge you have to secure a ticket, which you can buy on the official website of the Embassy Chef Challenge for a total of $150. While the price point may appear high initially, you have to consider the fact that you will be able to peruse and taste your way through some of the highest quality and most authentic international cuisine available in all of D.C., prepared by those who often cook for diplomats, presidents, and occasionally even royalty!
What should you expect at the Embassy Chef Challenge?
Aside from the excellent food from around the world, including cuisines from places like Morocco, Barbados, and Serbia, to name a few, there will also be local beverages available to pair with those meals to ensure a well-rounded authentic dining experience. The friendly competition between embassy chefs is considered light-spirited and a celebration of culinary diplomacy, but informally the winning embassy chef gets rather significant bragging rights for themselves and their nation’s cuisine, making the top spot a highly sought-after position.
The event itself is slated to take place between 6 pm and 10 pm on the first Thursday of March, so if you choose to attend make sure you eat a light lunch and come hungry.
How is the winner of the Embassy Chef Challenge selected?
Typically there are multiple rounds of the friendly competition, including multiple dishes that may follow specific themes or categories, such as appetizers, main courses, desserts, etc. The judging is done by credible culinary professionals, such as food critics or chefs, and the participants are scored on criteria like taste, presentation, creativity, and adherence to traditional recipes. When the event is drawing to an end, the judges will tally their scores and announce the winning embassy chef of this particular Embassy Chef Challenge.