The federal government has trained over 20 chefs in preparing Spanish cuisine to enhance their skills acquisition in the hospitality industry.
The programme which was organised by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) in collaboration with Embassy of Spain in Nigeria, was tagged, “Training for Chefs and Culinary Schools in Nigeria” was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
The Spanish professional Chef Alex Marugan as the chief instructor for the training session, stated that he guided the participants through the preparation of Spanish dishes such as Croquetas, Salpicón, Torrija, Pescado en salsa verde, and Arroz meloso con pato.
He explained that the goal was to foster culinary cultural exchange between Nigerians and Spaniards and to positively impact the Nigerian hospitality industry.
“This is an opportunity to share food culture between Nigerians and the Spanish. I have taken them through the process of preparation of some traditional Spanish dishes.
“I’m happy that the students showed a lot of interest in learning, and it was quite a participatory class.
“I enjoy being a chef, and the only thing I love more than cooking is eating,” Marugan concluded.
One of the trainees, Mrs Temitope Oladosu, said that the training session had positioned her to be able to work at Intercontinental hotels.
Oladosu noted that she had been exposed to the reason a metal spoon should not be used with a metal pot.
“Now, I know that metallic food poisoning can occur when a metal spoon is used with a metal pot while cooking. So, it is always advisable to use a wooden spoon when a metal pot is used.
“I have also learnt a lot about hygiene while cooking,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Ayorinde Olupinla, said he learnt how to prepare different types of Spanish fish sauces without using spices.
Mrs Funmi Olatuyi said, “This is a beautiful exposure for me. I will remain eternally grateful to NIHOTOUR for this training. I look forward to benefiting from more training that would involve other nations’cuisine.”
