Macau chefs seek sponsorship for Bocuse d’Or finals

Three chefs from Macau are preparing to represent China at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or finals in Lyon, France, on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, 2025.

Team leader Richard Stuart, along with Oscar Wang and Xy Zhao Jie, recently triumphed at the national finals in Guangzhou, earning a coveted wild card to compete against culinary giants from around the world.

The Bocuse d’Or, often referred to as the “Culinary Olympics,” was established by legendary French chef Paul Bocuse and has become a hallmark of culinary excellence.

The Macau team’s victory at the Asia-Pacific heats not only highlights their skills but also aims to elevate Macau’s status as a culinary destination.

Oscar Wang also won the championship in the Bocuse d’Or 2024 China Selection, which ended in Guangzhou in early June.

However, the journey to Lyon is fraught with challenges.

The team is actively seeking approximately RMB1 million in sponsorship to cover training, travel, and accommodation costs for themselves and four support staff. Stuart emphasized the disparity between their resources and those of European teams, who often have extensive sponsorships. “They bring lorries through Europe loaded with different types of equipment. We can’t do that,” he noted.

The chefs are scheduled to fly to Lyon on Jan. 9, where they will prepare a hot dish featuring venison as the centerpiece for 16 guests, alongside three garnishes.

Competing against teams from 23 countries, Stuart believes that making it into the top 15 would be a monumental achievement for both the team and Macau. “This is an opportunity to showcase Macau as an even more prominent culinary destination,” he said. Nadia Shaw