Adding to the many accolades Indian chefs and culinary craftsmen have bagged this year, pastry chef Zareen Shaukat was awarded the fourth spot at the seventh edition of the World Tapas Competition held in Spain. Putting a savoury, Indian twist to the popular French pastry known as mille feuille, Zareen created a version that used butter chicken between the layers of flaky puff pastry. The idea behind this innovative and unpublished fusion dish, according to Zareen, is that butter chicken represents the taste, colour and vibrancy of India in all ways.
Zareen’s final dish – a Murgh Makhani Mille Feuille – impressed the jury, who awarded her the accolade for her creativity. The Spanish concept of tapas essentially means small plates or appetisers – both, hot and cold – that are eaten in between sips of drinks at a bar – similar to the concept of touchings or chakna, in India. Gushing about her achievement on social media, Zareen expressed her excitement and gratitude saying, “What an experience and an eventful week it has been! An absolute honour and proud moment to be representing my colourful land India & achieving 4th place at 7th World Tapas Competition! Thank you @e.spain @cnpinchosvll @saboreavll for selecting me to represent my colourful land - India at this amazing competition & platform to showcase our talent. The experience & learnings will forever be with me.
Also Read:
The World Tapas Competition, is a collaboration between the city of Valladolid and the International School of Culinary Arts, since 2008. This competitive platform witnesses participants from various culinary schools across the world each year to compete for the winner’s spot for the best tapa concept.