Cholimex Food and VAA – The Flavors of Flights

On January 11, 2025, the final round of the competition “Cholimex Food and VAA – The Flavors of Flights” took place at the Cong Hoa campus of the Vietnam Aviation Academy (VAA). Organized by the Faculty of Tourism and Aviation Services, the event left a strong impression of talent, creativity, and the spirit of integration among the dynamic student generation.

Students Check-In at the Competition

The competition was honored to welcome distinguished guests:

From Cholimex Food Corporation:

• Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thùy Linh – Head of Sales Department.
• Mr. Nguyễn Trọng Phúc – Sales Executive.

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thùy Linh – Head of Sales Department

(representative of the sponsoring organization).

From the Faculty of Tourism and Aviation Services:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Công Hoan – Head of the Faculty of Tourism and Aviation Services.
• MSc. Đoàn Quang Đông – Head of the Hotel and Restaurant Management Department.

• Along with distinguished lecturers from the Faculty of Tourism and Aviation Services.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Công Hoan, Head of the Faculty of Tourism and Aviation Services,
Chairman of the Organizing Committee

The competition was not only a platform for students to challenge themselves but also a journey to explore and celebrate the unique values of culinary culture. Under the theme “Culinary Excellence – Connecting the World,” the teams presented dishes that were not only delicious but also rich in artistry, reflecting national pride and aspirations for global reach.

The competition comprised two challenging rounds:

1. Preliminary Round (December 25, 2024 – December 30, 2024): Teams submitted videos showcasing their culinary creations and sharing inspiring cultural stories.

A Few Adorable Moments from the Teams

2. Final Round (January 11, 2025): The top 15 teams competed directly, taking on the challenge of preparing 5 dishes within 90 minutes. The judging panel provided fair evaluations based on creativity, culinary techniques, and presentation skills.

All dishes in the final round incorporated spices from Cholimex Food Corporation, showcasing the teams’ creativity and versatility in utilizing the sponsor’s products.

Highlights of the Competition

In addition to the main competition, numerous traditional game stalls at the event created a lively atmosphere and fostered a sense of community among students.

The Judging Panel comprised management personnel and culinary experts, ensuring fairness and professionalism. The panel included:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Công Hoan – Head of the Faculty of Tourism and Aviation Services, Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

• MSc. Đoàn Quang Đông – Head of the Hotel and Restaurant Management Department.
• MSc. Trần Thị Bích Thư – Head of F&B Department, Rex Hotel (5-star).
• MSc. Nguyễn Minh Trí – Head of F&B Department, Majestic Hotel (5-star).

• MSc. Nguyễn Huỳnh Vy Vương – Executive Chef, Continental Hotel (4-star).

The Judging Panel and FTAS Faculty Members

The competition honored the outstanding teams with prestigious awards:

• First Prize: Team Kết Nối Ẩm Thực, winning hearts with their dishes that were both sophisticated and rich in cultural essence.

• Second Prize: Team 3 Cô Gái, impressing with their creativity and culinary skills.
• Third Prize: Teams Yêu Món Việt and Bếp Việt 3 Miền, presenting remarkable traditional dishes.
• Creativity Award: Team Cây Nhà Lá Vườn, recognized for their unique and innovative ingredient combinations.
• Audience’s Favorite Award: Team Cholimex is the Best, receiving the highest number of audience votes.

• Favorite Booth Award: Booth Tuho, captivating attendees with engaging traditional games.

The competition was successfully organized thanks to the full sponsorship from Cholimex Food Corporation, which covered all organizational costs and provided gifts for the judging panel, participating teams, and the audience.

Representatives of the Sponsor, Judging Panel, and Participating Teams

This event was not only a platform to showcase talent but also an opportunity for students to connect, learn, and promote the cultural values of Vietnamese cuisine. It served as a bridge for the younger generation to introduce the culinary excellence of their homeland to the world while fostering confidence and creativity—essential elements for their journey toward international integration.

The Faculty of Tourism and Aviation Services, Vietnam Aviation Academy, extends its heartfelt thanks to Cholimex Food, the judging panel, lecturers, and students for creating an event filled with emotion and achieving outstanding success.

LOI, N. A. – FTAS