Kathmandu, Jan 25 : The umbrella organization of hotel entrepreneurs, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), has announced plans to organize a national workshop to promote Gundruk—a traditional fermented vegetable dish made from leafy greens.
HAN President Binayak Shah shared this information during a program organized in the capital on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of The Voice of Chefs. He said that nearly 90 percent of foreign tourists visiting Nepal seek Nepali food, emphasizing the need to promote traditional cuisine.
“We must promote our traditional food, as most foreign tourists prefer Nepali dishes,” Shah said.
He also informed that HAN is coordinating with Non-Resident Nepalis and Nepali organizations abroad to promote Nepali cuisine internationally. Additionally, food festivals are being planned across all seven provinces of the country.
Tourism expert Abhishek Bikram Shah highlighted the important role of chefs in taking Nepali cuisine to the global stage without losing its cultural identity.
Senior chef Govindanarsingh KC stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and discipline, urging chefs to keep their uniforms clean. He encouraged young chefs to believe in their work, respect their profession, remain disciplined, and continue learning.
“The kitchen is not just a place to cook; it is a platform to showcase our culture, identity, and cuisine to the world,” said Chef KC.
Senior chefs Shyam Lama, Ratna Bahadur Thapa, Jeet Lama Pakhrin, Resham Kumar Tamang, and trainer Suryakiran Shrestha said that chefs never truly retire, as there are always opportunities in the hospitality sector.
On the occasion, Sajjan Chandra Khanal received the ‘Chef Coat’ Award. Prakash Katuwal was honored as ‘Celebrity Chef,’ Pramanand Kunwar as ‘Artist Chef,’ Shyam Thapa for ‘Nepali Gastronomy Excellence,’ and Resham Kumar Tamang for ‘Organizational Leadership.’
President of The Voice of Chefs, Bikram Giri, stated that the organization has been continuously conducting programs to honor senior professionals and inspire the younger generation.
