An 18-year-old London chef has made history by becoming the first UK participant to win the prestigious Young Chef Olympiad (YCO), the world’s largest culinary competition for young chefs. Kamran Taylor, a third-year student at Capital City College, triumphed at the final in Goa, India, securing the gold medal against competitors from more than 50 countries.
Kamran’s winning dish, baked barramundi with mousse, impressed the panel of international judges and stood out for its technique, creativity, and presentation. This victory marks a historic achievement for the UK, reinforcing London’s reputation as a global food capital. Since its inception in 2015, the competition has gathered the most talented young chefs worldwide, but until now, no UK chef had taken the top prize.
Angela Joyce, CEO of Capital City College, praised Kamran’s achievement, saying: “This is an extraordinary accomplishment, not only for Kamran but also for the UK’s culinary scene. His victory against the world’s best young chefs highlights the exceptional training and talent nurtured at Capital City College.”
The YCO competition is known for its intense challenges, testing chefs on their cooking skills, creativity, and ability to perform under pressure. For Kamran, participating was a test of adaptability as much as skill. He trained two to three times a week under the guidance of his mentor, Chef Chris Basten, Commercial Development Chef at Capital City College, to prepare for the competition. Throughout the event, Kamran faced challenges such as working with unfamiliar equipment and dealing with the intense heat in India, which made handling ingredients like chocolate especially difficult. In one round, when his blender broke down, he managed to stay calm and adjusted his schedule on the spot.
Kamran, who only discovered his passion for cooking during the 2020 lockdown, had no formal culinary background before beginning his studies at Capital City College. He was inspired to pursue the profession after experimenting with dishes like banana bread and spaghetti bolognese during lockdown. His quick search led him to Capital City College, where he’s currently completing his Professional Chef Diploma.
While balancing his studies, Kamran also teaches at the college’s Young Baker Academy and has gained valuable experience working at renowned restaurants like Fallow and Conran London St James’s Street.
Looking ahead, Kamran is preparing for his final-year exams in the spring, with plans to apply for the prestigious Glenfiddich internship programme to gain further experience in fine dining. He hopes to one day open his own restaurant.
Kamran’s advice for aspiring young chefs is simple: “Just do it.” He emphasised the importance of perseverance and the willingness to learn from others in the culinary industry.
Kamran’s victory places him in the ranks of elite young chefs worldwide, and with his ambition and talent, it’s clear this is just the beginning of an exciting career
