The Singapore High Commission in Dhaka concluded a three-day Singapore Cooking Workshop held from August 10 to 12, bringing together 20 participants from the National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI) to showcase their culinary skills and deepen their appreciation of Singapore’s rich and multicultural food heritage.

The programme followed the success of Singapore Cooking Classes held in 2025 to mark Singapore’s 60th National Day and continued the High Commission’s efforts to promote cultural exchange through cuisine.

Conducted by the same Singaporean chef who led the previous sessions, the workshop provided hands-on training in iconic Singaporean dishes including Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chilli Crab, Kueh Pie Tee, Singapore Spicy Vermicelli, Curry Puff, Ondeh Ondeh, Nasi Lemak and Chicken Satay.

The programme culminated in a friendly cooking competition, where participants demonstrated the techniques and skills they had acquired over the three-day course before a panel of judges.

The top three participants were recognised at a prize-giving ceremony, receiving cash prizes of BDT 15,000, BDT 12,000 and BDT 8,000 for first, second and third place, respectively. The last two groups also received consolation prizes of BDT 5,000 each. The prize money is intended to support the students’ professional development by helping them purchase kitchen tools and equipment, enrol in further culinary training, or invest in their aspirations to build successful careers in the hospitality and food and beverage industry.

The High Commission will continue the initiative with a second round of the Singapore Cooking Competition in September 2026, providing another group of aspiring chefs from NHTTI with the opportunity to learn authentic Singaporean cuisine, compete for prizes and further strengthen culinary and cultural links between Singapore and Bangladesh.

Mitchel Lee, the Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of Singapore to Bangladesh, speaking during the event.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chargé d’affaires Mitchel Lee from the Singapore High Commission commended the participants for their enthusiasm, creativity and dedication throughout the programme.

He also extended special thanks to Jaheda Begum, head of culinary training at NHTTI, for her dedicated efforts to make this event a success.

The Singapore High Commission remains committed to promoting people-to-people ties through cultural diplomacy and looks forward to organising more initiatives that celebrate the shared appreciation for food, culture and friendship between Singapore and Bangladesh.