Blogger Cook-Off at Berjaya University College and AEON Taste New Zealand Food Fair

Just the other day I was at Berjaya University College for a bloggers cook-off organized by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE). There was sixteen (16) bloggers took part at the cook-off per session and this event was held prior to the ongoing AEON Taste New Zealand Food Fair at 7 AEON outlets nationwide from 30 Nov to 10 Dec, 2017. More than 150 products are on display for the AEON Taste New Zealand Food Fair showcasing the best in food, delicious edibles and innovative products.

A fiery start before the cook-off. Executive Chef Krishnan demonstrating some of the cooking techniques to be applied during cook-off.

Bloggers were treated to the quality and versatility of produce from New Zealand through a cook-off organized at Berjaya University College led by Executive Chef Krishnan who demonstrated three recipes using New Zealand Mussels and Greenlea beef.



Taste New Zealand, the Food Fair which brings Malaysians the best of New Zealand products and produce is back with quality, honest products comprising a delectable selection of new artisanal treats, guilt-free chocolates, premium New Zealand apples and kiwifruits as well as a range of sustainable, eco-friendly products for every Malaysian home. Just in time for the festivities around the corner!



These items were just a taster of what's to come at the AEON Taste New Zealand Food Fair. Commenting on the much anticipated Taste NZ Fair, the new New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Malaysia, Simon Hearsey urged Malaysians to try as many New Zealand products which will be available during this limited time.



"New Zealand's international reputation for producing delicious, nutritious food and drink is second to none. Our clean environment and world-leading food safety regime means New Zealandproducts are safe to consume," he added.



Taste New Zealand, the Food Fair which brings Malaysians the best of New Zealand products and produce is back with quality, honest products comprising a delectable selection of new artisanal treats, guilt-free chocolates, premium New Zealand apples and kiwifruits as well as a range of sustainable, eco-friendly products for every Malaysian home. Just in time for the festivities around the corner!



Commenting on the much-anticipated Taste NZ Fair, the new New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Malaysia, Simon Hearsey urged Malaysians to take this opportunity to try as many New Zealand products as possible. “New Zealand’s international reputation for producing delicious, nutritious food and drink is second to none. Our clean environment and world-leading food safety regime also means that New Zealand products are safe to consume,” he added.

Before the cook-off started, we filled our stomach with a scrumptious meal and followed by a welcome message by the representative of NZTE.



After the welcome message, all the bloggers were led into a kitchen in which is part of Berjaya University College hospitality facility where the cook-off is held. We were then briefed about the basic kitchen safety tips and the judging criteria. After that, Executive Chef Krishnan proceed to demonstrate the cooking of mussels appetiser and beef main dishes.

We are told to have 2 person in one station and I paired up with Suria Amanda. There was an option to cook the stir-fried Green lea beef dish or beef steak and we chose the latter. While the Cheese Baked New Zealand Mussels is a compulsory dish. As you can see above, the two dishes had to be complete within 30 minutes and we must incorporate the Pure'n Ezy Baby Beets into the beef dish.

We were really proud with our dishes although it was Suria Amanda's first time cooking beef steak but we were glad to complete both dishes with the amount of time given.

While the judges busy judging other team's dishes, our hearts were fluttering. When it was our turn, the judges commented that our side dishes which is the mixed vegetables somehow overshadowed the beef steak and we agreed on that. Although our beef steak was slightly raw, it was well seasoned. Our mussels did well too despite using the quick melting cheese instead of the slower ones.

Finally it was time for the cook-off winner to be announced and both of us were surprised that our names were being called out. I am really thankful to the awesome cooking experience and also being able to use the high quality products and ingredients provided through out the cook-off.

A group photo of the judges and bloggers! Picture credits to NZTE.

Some of the items that shoppers can look forward at the AEON Taste New Zealand Food Fair :-

1. New Zealand Meat: Green lea Chilled Beef
2. Top quality biscuits and chocolates: Whittaker's and Griffin's 
3. Dairy, beverages and ice-cream: Anlene, Anmum and Fernleaf from Fronterra Brands Malaysia, Karihome, Spring Sheep, NZ Natural Zealand Ice-cream, Kapiti Ice-cream, 
4. Pure n Ezy Ready To Eat!
5. Eco Store
6. Other brands such as Pic's Peanut Butter, CHIA, Easiyo and Sweet Meadow.



Shoppers who spend RM80 in a single receipt will get to enter a lucky draw contest and win RM1,000 worth of AEON shopping vouchers! There's also a Snap & Win contest where 10 lucky winners will win RM100 AEON cash vouchers. Simply take your most creative photo at AEON Taste NZ photobooth, post it on your FB page with an interesting caption and check-in your location on FB with the hashtag #TasteNZMY to enter the contest. Don't forget to set your post to 'public'. Contest ends this 10th Dec, 2017.

So what are you waiting for? Quickly drop by AEON Taste New Zealand Food Fair at 7 AEON outlets nationwide! For latest update from New Zealand food, check out their FB page at https://web.facebook.com/NEWZEALANDFOOD/.

.: Peace Out :.