The best chef in the world is Norwegian

The best chef in the world is Norwegian

The best chef in the world comes from Norway. 29-year old Ørjan Johanessen came out on top in the prestigious cooking competition Bocuse d'Or in Lyon, France, on Wednesday.

The chef of the traditional restaurant Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri won against 23 international competitors. Ørjan Johannessen and his assistant Jimmy Øien convinced the prestigious jury of Bocuse d’Or during a five-hour finale with its innovative interpretations of meat and fish dishes, using guinea fowland troutas the main ingredients.

The creative chef already won bronze at the European Championship in  Stockholm last year and finished fifth at the Bocuse d'Or-2013, so the victory was not from out of the blue. The US secured silver, while Sweden bagged third place in the 2015 competition.

Second only to France
With the recent victory, Norway is second to France of most successful nations. Norway now has five gold medals to show for, which is a reflection of how important and easily available fresh produce is in Norway. Known as a top exporter of salmon, cod and seafood, and it is now popping up several Michelin starred restaurants in the country – including Maaemo in Oslo, which received two stars within the first year of opening.

Notes to editor:
The Bocuse d'Or is a world championship of cooks dating back to1987, started by celebrity chef Paul Bocuse. Other Norwegian winners include Bent Stiansen(1993), Terje Ness(1999), Charles Tjessem(2003) and Geir Skeie(2009).For more information: www.bocusedor.com

Ørjan Johannessen works at the traditional restaurant Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri in Western Norway: www.bekkjarvikgjestgiveri.no