The Danish Embassy in Pakistan
has invited a Danish chef, Adam Ebsen, to Karachi as part of its public
diplomacy activities. As part of a condensed program, Chef Adam Ebsen held a
‘Cook-off’ at Master Class Pakistan on Thursday, 6 December 2018.
While Adam cooked a modern
Danish dish at the head table, 30 Pakistani gastronomic experts followed the
lead in teams, competing against each other and gaining a hands-on experience
in preparing the same dish. The participants enjoyed the workshop tremendously
and learned about the principles and methods of modern Danish - New Nordic -
cuisine emphasizing local sourcing, respect for local products and tradition,
simplicity in preparation and a perfect balancing of fragrances to strive for a
perfect combination in taste.
The top three teams were then
selected by Ebsen, based on taste and presentation, and won prizes from
Denmark.
Prior to the workshop, the
Danish Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Rolf Holmboe and Adam Absen delivered a brief
talk followed by a quick quiz that determined the participants of the workshop.
Speaking to the media on this
occasion, Ambassador Mr. Rolf Holmboe said, “We want to promote modern Danish -
New Nordic - gastronomy based on local sourcing, simplicity and perfect balancing
of fragrances and how this can work in fusion with Pakistani cuisine. Denmark
is re-thinking the whole food system, to fight food poverty and food wastage,
and to increase food sustainability and food diversity. This is the basis for a
healthy lifestyle. I love cooking myself and I would wish for Pakistani men to
also have an active role in the kitchen at home.”
Adam Ebsen added by saying, “I
am glad to be a part of this initiative and I hope when people leave today,
they leave with the new recipe and most importantly, the school of thought of
food preservation and cons of food wastage.”
The event included key
Pakistani chefs, restaurant owners, foodies, food bloggers, social media
influencers, journalists and the youth. After the workshop, all guests got a
chance to taste some Danish finger food prepared by Adam Ebsen.