The Malta Cookery and Food Association is holding its international cookery competition, the Malta Kulinarja, at the Oracle Suite of the New Dolmen Hotel, Qawra.

The competition is running until Sunday, 5 February, and the presentation of awards will be on Monday, 6 February.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said that he was pleased to open the Malta Kulinarja, as the competition promoted “product Malta” in local cuisine. He said the competition encouraged local chefs to go for high standard cuisine, which was an asset to the local tourism sector.

Dr Zammit Dimech pointed out that there was an increasing number of restaurants in Malta. Competition between these restaurants was intense, he said, but he was aware that competition leads to a better product and, in this case, to better food standards.

Thanks to the organisation of the bi-annual Salon Culinaire, he said the Malta Cooking and Food Association contributes towards the better standard of local cuisine and towards a diverse and professional product that offers Maltese clients and visitors true value for money.

“Cooks and chefs should keep themselves abreast of developments in the cooking and food sector. Through the Institute for Tourism Studies, MCAST and the university, government is providing the necessary infrastructure for the further learning and training of young people and those who already form part of this industry. Learning and training enhance culinary standards,” said Dr Zammit Dimech.