Taste of Australia
Chef Jake Nicolson awarding first prize at Taste of Australia in Brunei. Congratulations to Julie Marker who won with her Chili Lime and Salted Egg Pie!
The Radisson Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan was abuzz yesterday with the sounds and smells of the Australian High Commission’s Taste of Australia event. The crowds came out to see renowned Australian Chef, Jake Nicolson, in action in the kitchen, to show off their own culinary talents and learn about great Australian food products available in Brunei.
Speaking at the event, Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Nicola Rosenblum said “Australians and Bruneians have many things in common – countries endowed with natural beauty, warm and friendly people, a common Commonwealth heritage – but if there is one thing that truly brings us together it is our shared national obsession with good food! Today has been an opportunity to share in this passion, both by showcasing quality Australian products which are available in Brunei, and by also celebrating Bruneian enthusiasm for cooking and for fabulous flavours.”
Mr Daniel Havas, Senior Trade Commissioner, of co-sponsor Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), said “Australia is fortunate in that the rich variety of terrains and climates across our continent allows our farmers to produce an abundant variety of premium offerings all year round, but Australian farmers are also committed to constant quality improvement, research and innovation to ensure that our vegetables, meat and dairy products are the best they can be. Austrade is pleased to work with our local partners and distributors to bring these exceptional products to the Brunei public.”
Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Nicola Rosenblum, renowned Australian Chef, Jake Nicolson and Siti Zaleha Kaprawi of Astera Consultant
Chef Jake Nicolson and Thanis Lim judging the food competition at Taste of Australia
Chef Jake trying out the delicacies at Tamu
The event saw renowned Australian chef, Jake Nicolson, sharing his culinary skills with the crowd, demonstrating two dishes which will be served to VIP guests at a dinner this evening, and judging a cooking competition with local food celebrity Thanis Lim. Chef Nicolson said “I have been so impressed by the inventiveness and passion shown by the Brunei cooks today! It has been such a pleasure to learn about Bruneian ingredients and recipes, and to taste everyone’s food. I will certainly be taking a few new ideas back to Australia with me.”
The Australian High Commissioner also thanked the event’s sponsors and participating businesses, saying “An event such as this one relies on the support of a wide range of people. I would like to convey my sincere thanks to our sponsors and participating organisations who have supported us so generously.”
During his visit to Brunei, Chef Nicolson has also been exploring Brunei flavours at the Kianggeh Fruit and Vegetable Markets, Kampong Ayer and Gadong Night Markets. Images taken from Australian High Commission Facebook Page.