Female chef aims for gold at International Catering Cup

Chef Lee Ji-yu

South Korean female chef Lee Ji-yu will represent her country, a first in the history of the International Catering Cup to be held in Lyon and is poised to make her mark in the renowned culinary competition. Lee currently works at Signiel Seoul Stay, operated by Michelin 3-star chef Yannick Alléno as part of the Lotte Hotel Group.

In a recent interview with Maeil Business Newspaper, Lee expressed her determination, saying, “There is no gender distinction when it comes to cooking. I aim to win the gold medal in France, the epitome of culinary excellence.” Lee’s passion for cooking began in elementary school, which led to a culinary journey spanning a decade.

The culinary category at the International Catering Cup is not merely about taste; it scrutinizes every aspect of the cooking process from ingredient preparation to dishwashing. Competitors must pay meticulous attention to detail, not only ensuring that they have enough essential ingredients but precise plate temperatures and cooking levels as well, which are all subject to evaluation by the judges.

Participating as a Korean poses unique challenges, as the competition’s menu is strictly limited to Western cuisine. Lee acknowledges this difficulty, saying, “Unlike other professions such as mechanical maintenance, culinary standards are subjective and hard to quantify. I plan to undergo specialized training at a cooking academy in Daegu from June 2024 onwards to prepare.”

Regarding her experience at Signiel Seoul Stay, Lee shared, “Under the guidance of chef Shim Dong-wook, who is a Michelin-starred restaurant veteran, I am honing my skills in French cuisine. Working in a renowned French fine dining establishment allows me to experiment with diverse and exquisite ingredients that cater to the tastes of the international guests who frequent the hotel.”

When asked about her strengths, Lee was modest. “While I aspire to win the gold, I am trying not to be overly ambitious. I learned a valuable lesson during the National Skills Competition, where my ambition saw me exceed the allotted time.”

After the competition in France, Lee plans to continue her career at Lotte Hotel and aspires to open her own reputable restaurant in the future.