Ten Chefs from Belgium and Luxembourg, Canada, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom showcased their skills at the 2025 Aramark International Chefs’ Cup in Shanghai from 13th to 15th May.
Described as anything but a 'cooking competition' by the company, the annual event celebrates culinary excellence, bridging cultures and language, and showcasing that most essential human needs—food, with winners deservedly being selected on a combination of their menu choices, skill and cultural awareness.
COMPETITION RESULTS
GOLD WINNER
Chef Mario Henriquez, Aramark Chile
Chef Mario Henriquez (holding cup) took top prize with the help of Assistant Chef Arnoldo Muñoz.
The winning dishes included Chickpea Tartare with Potato Cream, Tea-Infused Vegetables, and Acevichado Sauce (appetizer); Stuffed Porkloin and Braised Chicken-Stuffed Tomato with Mushroom-Potato Confit, Pickled Carrots, and Aged Wine Sauce (main); and a Chocolate Mousse, Honey Sponge, and Passionfruit, Mulberry, and Raspberry Gel Cocoa Cookie (dessert).
SILVER WINNER
Chef Petr Kolarik, Aramark Czechia
Known for his dishes that surprise, satisfy, and push boundaries, Chef Petr Kolarik (right) and Assistant Chef Thomas Kourek secured the Silver award for their country and team.
BRONZE WINNER
Chef Stuart Fildes, Aramark UK
Chef Stuart Fildes (left) won the Bronze spot with the help of Assistant Chef David Ellams (being given a medal in photo).
The International Chefs’ Cup is a celebration of culinary excellence and is a testament to the exceptional talent and hard work of chefs across our company.”
Chef Fildes approaches each plate like a canvas, bringing bold imagination and fearless technique to every dish.
Chef Zhao Xiang from Aramark China received special recognition for the 'Best Technical Score', alongside Assistant Chef Zhu Weiwei who won the 'Best Assistant Award', highlighting the indispensable role of teamwork to the competition.
NATIONAL COMPETITION WINNERS
Showcasing Culinary Artistry
The Aramark International Chefs’ Cup focused on the use of fresh, local ingredients from a specially curated market basket to create a full-course dinner for four consisting of a plant-based starter, a main dish, and a dessert.
Chefs selected their ingredients and defined their menus one day prior to the competition with only two hours of mise en place preparation.
On competition day, chef teams had three hours to bring their culinary visions to life for an accomplished jury of expert judges who evaluated the dishes for technical skill, taste, and creativity.
"It’s a matter of immense pride and joy for us to have hosted this prestigious culinary event this year,” SAYS George Wang, President, Aramark China. “The International Chefs’ Cup is a celebration of culinary excellence and is a testament to the exceptional talent and hard work of chefs across our company.”
Meet the Panel of Judges
Showcasing Future Culinary Artistry
The 2026 Aramark International Chefs’ Cup will take place in Dublin.
