Flaming times as Canterbury cook eyes Nando’s grilling crown
Manoj Chundali is recognised as one of Australia’s best grillers across Nando’s and now he wants to be the best in the world.
The Express
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It’s show time for Canterbury’s Manoj Chundali who is aiming to become the best griller in Nando’s worldwide restaurant chain.
The 26-year-old will represent Australia in Nando’s International Master Griller competition in Dublin, Ireland, from September 22-27.
Mr Chundali, shift leader at Nando’s Clarence St restaurant in Sydney CBD, said just attending the competition was reward enough for him.
“This is my dream come true and I feel privileged that I’m able to represent Australia in the global competition,” Mr Chundali, who has been with Nando’s for seven years, said.
“I can’t wait to share my experience with my teammates.
“It’s not so much about a prize, it’s such an honour to just compete in the International Master Griller competition.”
Mr Chundali is aiming to emulate his manager Sabina Chhetri who has won the coveted title in the past. This year there are 32 contestants from 23 countries with the winner being invited as a guest judge for next year’s event.
Mr Chundali booked one of the four Australian spots by making the NSW team before taking on 15 others in a flame-grilling contest in Melbourne in front of a panel of expert Nando’s judges.
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The contestants were judged on several criteria, including the art of the flame grill which incorporates taste, tenderness and basting skills.
Nando’s CEO Craig Mason said: “Manoj was an absolute standout at Nando’s Master Griller.”
Mr Chundali, whose favourite Nando’s food is chicken ribs with rice and chips, leaves for Ireland on September 20, with three other national winners from NSW and WA: Brooke Tucker, Amy Williams and Shin Then.
The master grillers are assessed on these criteria through questionnaires, interviews and how they conduct themselves at each stage of the competition in Ireland.
The well-known South African chain, which opened its first outlet in Australia in 1990, now has more than 200 restaurants around the country.