The Chittagong audition round of the Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef 2015 was already being touted as one of the most exciting events on the Port City's calendar. With three previous attempts under their belt and yet to claim the Super Chef crown for it's city, there was a feeling that this could be Chittagong's year. 

Over 160 participants travelled to Anika Community Center to have a crack at the Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef 2015 and almost all of them seemed ready. 

On the same day, Dhaka and Mymensingh would both also be holding their own auditions. The ongoing hartals meant an additional obstacle in the participant's path, but clearly hardly any one of them were deterred judging by the numbers in all three cities. 
Judges Jinat Azam and Rawshan Ara Begum, both culinary experts were also prepared to judge the numerous challengers in Chittagong.

Mezban beef and dry fish or shutki were both expected. However, the participants had a trick up their sleeve, opting for more continental dishes than just regular local ones. The amount of young, talented participants skilled in international cuisine was not wholly unexpected but the fact that they almost threatened to outnumber local delicacies was telling indeed. 

Chittagong, through this audition round, successfully thrust themselves into the international culinary scene in a way, highlighting the growing metropolitan nature of the port city. 

But style over substance wasn't going to get anyone very far in this competition. 
This competition was not only about flash but rather one's success was rooted in their adaptability, willingness to learn and sheer hard work. The Super Chef team wasn't looking for someone who could cook; they were looking for the Super Chef, the person with the total package and the journey was never going to be easy. 

Hazi Md Rafiq Uddin, who travelled all the way from Sylhet to take part brought with him ample experience. Having worked in restaurants around US and UK for the last 25 years, Rafiq felt he had a very good chance of progressing. His belief was only natural but once he entered the venue and saw the others, his confidence diminished a bit. 

The strength of the participants made it clear to him that this was no ordinary competition and that he was going to have a tough fight ahead. Of course, Rafiq wasn't the only one in for a shock. Almost all 162 participants had pretty much the same reaction. The competition was just too hard and only the best would survive. 

Case in point was Anup Kumar. A former top-24 participant of the first edition of Super Chef, Anup breezed through the written exam but he almost faltered during the 20 minute cook-off. But having already faced the pressure cooker environment of Super Chef, Anup triumphed and got a Yes card for himself with 7 other participants. Sharmila Sen Gupta, Umme Kulsum, Anup Kumar, Tanjila Kaniz, Nelima Das, Fatema Tuz Zohra and Latifa Aktar all qualified for the Dhaka round of the Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef 2015. Unfortunately for Rafiq though, he could just not make the cut. However, he wasn't returned and will hopefully return next year much better prepared than ever before. 

Next up, the Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef 2015 heads to Mymensingh and Dhaka. Watch this space for more. 

Photo: facebook/Rupchanda DailyStarSuperChef2015