First Gourmet Academy recently hosted a highly successful trade test for professional chefs aspiring to work in Saudi Arabia. The event brought together some of the country’s most talented culinary professionals, each eager to prove their skills and readiness for international employment opportunities.
Held at our state-of-the-art training facilities in Quezon City, the trade test was a collaborative effort with international recruiters seeking qualified Filipino chefs to join prestigious establishments in Saudi Arabia. The assessment aimed to evaluate each candidate’s technical ability, creativity, and efficiency under pressure—key qualities required in global culinary environments.
Participants were tested on a variety of essential kitchen skills, including knife handling, proper cooking techniques, flavor balance, and food presentation. The trade test mirrored the standards of top-tier international kitchens, ensuring that successful candidates would be able to meet the high expectations of employers abroad.
The evaluation was personally supervised by Mr. Mats Loo, the Director of First Gourmet Academy, who also served as one of the assessors. With his extensive background in international culinary education and professional kitchen operations, Mr. Loo ensured that each participant was evaluated fairly and according to global benchmarks. His attention to detail and passion for raising the bar in culinary standards were evident throughout the event.
The Academy’s modern facilities—equipped with industry-standard tools and professional-grade kitchen equipment—provided the ideal environment for such an important occasion. Recruiters and evaluators alike expressed appreciation for the organization, cleanliness, and efficiency of the testing process, as well as for the professionalism displayed by all participants.
At First Gourmet Academy, we take pride in being one of the few institutions in the Philippines capable of hosting trade tests of this caliber. Beyond culinary education, we continue to serve as a bridge between Filipino talent and international opportunities. By partnering with reputable recruitment agencies and employers, we help open doors for our graduates and professionals who aspire to build careers abroad.
We congratulate all the chefs who participated in the trade test and commend their hard work, dedication, and passion for the culinary arts. Events like this reaffirm our commitment to excellence and strengthen the Philippines’ growing reputation as a source of world-class culinary talent.
