Barilla Pasta Championship Asia: A Call for Chefs Across the Continent to Showcase Their Talent

PHOTO: Executive Chef at Barilla APAC, Chef Andrea Tranchero.

Advertisement

Chefs in Philippines are invited to compete in a high-profile event that celebrates Italian Gastronomy while fostering innovation and culinary excellence.

Barilla proudly announces the second edition of the Barilla Pasta Championship Asia, inviting chefs from Philippines to showcase their culinary talent and celebrate their passion for Italian cuisine. The winner will have the opportunity to pit their culinary skills and creativity against other chefs from the region including China, India, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam in the Asia Finals in October 2025. 

More than just a competition, the Barilla Pasta Championship 2025 challenges chefs to push the boundaries of Italian culinary artistry. Whether seasoned professionals or rising chefs in the industry, participants will use pasta as a canvas for creativity, demonstrating their expertise and passion for Italian cooking. Organised by Barilla for Professionals, this initiative reaffirms Barilla’s commitment to empowering food professionals with  high-quality ingredients and inspiring them to create contemporary, wholesome Italian dishes. 

Applications are now open until 15 April 2025 and interested chefs are encouraged to submit their signature pasta featuring Barilla Spaghetti n.5 or Penne Rigate as the focal point. A step-by-step preparation must accompany each submission.  

The entries will be evaluated by distinguished panel of judges, including Chef Andrea Tranchero, Executive Chef at Barilla APAC, along with esteemed industry experts. Key judging criteria include aesthetic appeal, harmony of flavours and technical execution, with a strong emphasis on achieving the perfect al dente texture.  

Precision, skill, and innovation will ultimately determine the chefs who stand out. Beyond the recognition brought by the championship, all National Finals will receive a personalised Barilla for Professionals chef jacket as a symbol of their achievement. The top three winners from Asia Finals will embark on an exclusive culinary tour to Parma, Italy, a UNESCO Creative City for gastronomy and the home of Barilla where they will engage with top chefs and industry leaders while expanding culinary horizons. The top 3 Asia finalists will also receive cash prizes of up to €3,000.

Inspiring a new generation of Asian Chefs to embrace Italian cuisine 

Italian cuisine continues to captivate diners in Philippines and across the region, renowned for its deep-rooted traditions, bold flavours, and the ability to bring people together. Through this competition, Barilla aims to provide chefs with an opportunity to hone their skills, showcase their creativity, and celebrate the authentic essence of Italian cuisine.  

“Through this championship, we aim to inspire chefs to push the boundaries of Italian cuisine, using Barilla’s pasta as the perfect base to bring to life their creations.” said Chef Andrea Tranchero, Executive Chef at Barilla  APAC. “Made from a high-quality semolina blend and with over 145 years of pasta craftsmanship, our pasta ensures consistent performance even during peak times, providing chefs with the reliability they need in the kitchen.” 

For Chef Seigo Fuchigami (Japan), the Barilla Pasta Championship Asia Final Champion (2024) was the first cooking competition he participated in. “I wanted to see how my cooking would be evaluated by the world and whether I could really make food that could be appreciated worldwide. I think this is a great opportunity to share your abilities with the world. Taking that first step will open doors to  a vast array of possibilities, so I hope chefs across Asia embrace this challenge and give it their best!” said Chef Fuchigami. 

Chef Fuchigami is a seasoned Japanese culinary expert, has been perfecting his craft since the age of 17. In 2015, he opened his own restaurant, Fuchigami, blending the finest elements of Japanese and Italian cuisine. A true connoisseur, Chef Fuchigami earned his Italian wine sommelier certification in Tuscany, and his global experience includes high-profile collaborations with chefs like Davide Oldani and Claudio Sadler.

Applications are now open, and chefs eager to participate can find more details and submit their entries at Barilla Pasta Championship Asia.