Kota Kinabalu: A cooking competition dubbed "God of Cookery" to enlighten people on the importance of having nutritious and healthy meals drew 19 participants at Karamunsing Complex Exhibition Hall A, here, Saturday.The competition was held as part of activities of a food carnival aimed at promoting and showcasing local traders, their products and services.
This year's theme is "Healthy lifestyle with rice."
Another cooking competition will be held today (June 3), the last day of the three-day food carnival.
Overall champion Gary Gidieon Peter Nicholas, 19, a culinary arts student at Cosmopoint, said:
"Money should not be our first concern in life. We should focus more on health. Think about it, if we are not healthy, how are we supposed to work, study and get on with our lives? We won't be able to even make money or enjoy the money we have if we don't have good health."
Based on this, he said the people should appreciate good health and must be willing to educate themselves through reading materials or attending health talks.
According to him, there are many ways to create awareness, such as the increasing number of patients in hospitals should make us concerned about our health.
Nicholas prepared nasi kuning and pan-fried salmon with mixed vegetables and explained the health benefits of salmon, which include improving one's memory and boosting one's metabolism.
First runner-up Mohd Hafiz Mohd Su'ud, 20, another culinary arts student at Cosmopoint, said Malaysians should reduce the amount of fast food consumption.
"It's not just about bringing back a trophy, cash prize and certificate, it's more on spreading the awareness that the public should really start changing their diet."
Hafiz said he chose steamed cod oyster sauce with onion rice due to the healthy elements and pointed out that this is something parents should take into account when preparing meals at home.
"Start small. Even if you prepare healthy food twice a week is enough.
At least, it gets you into the habit of eating healthy meals," suggested Hafiz, who said his parents also do the same thing.
Second runner-up Isnin Shah Jilan, 32, an employee with the Health Department in Sandakan, who is on a three-year leave to take up a diploma in culinary arts at PTPL, acknowledged the fact on how eating right should be what everyone is concerned about.
His advice was also on healthy eating habits. "All the small changes matter.
For example, changing your cholesterol-filled oil to one that has low cholesterol or no cholesterol helps. The type of rice you consume also changes a lot of things."
"I think we need to conduct more health talks. The Government is already doing a good job on that.
They go to schools to educate pupils on the importance of eating healthy meals."
Chef Johan said the judges chose winners based on three criteria - nutrition, hygiene and portion.
Nancy Lim from School of Cooking and Baking as well as Johan's daughter, Claire Clementina, were also part of the team of judges who selected the top three winners.
Participants were asked to finish cooking and preparing their food within one hour.
Among sponsors of the competition are Saza Rice Sdn Bhd and Petronas.
Angela Liew Z.V. and Bonie Tan from Zee Tech are the main organisers.
