Over 55 countries were in attendance at the Villeroy & Boch Culinary World Cup

Manoj Lasantha, the executive pastry chef at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, was an integral part of the award-winning Emirates Culinary Guild team at this year’s EXPOGAST Villeroy & Boch Culinary World Cup. The event was held in Luxembourg in November.

The Villeroy & Boch Culinary World Cup is one of the biggest culinary contests in the world. This year over 55 countries were in attendance, seeing top chefs from around the globe compete against each other.

Lasantha brought home three gold medals under the Pastry Art categories, winning two for his Petit Four Plated Dessert and one for his Wedding Cake display. The UAE sent 27 chefs, including a support team from across the Emirates, to make up a collection of pastry chefs and artists from restaurants and hotels across the country. The team was awarded a total gold medal tally of 43 in all.

At Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Lasantha is responsible for the smooth operation of the pastry kitchen whilst ensuring his team is constantly innovating. The hotel’s changing afternoon tea offering is popular amongst foodies in Abu Dhabi and has received several awards over the years under his tenure.