Travelling from Sigatoka, to participate in the culinary competition and skills display during the 2018 HOTEC Tradeshow at the Denarau Convention Centre paid off for Shafirun Sofia.

Ms Sofia on Thursday won the award for the “Best Chicken Curry” dish.

The 32-year-old, mother of two said it was hard having to leave her children back at home as she pursued her dream.

Ms Sofia said she has learnt a lot from the competition and she hopes to continue to participate in the future.

“I really did not expect to win,” she said.

“This is one of the happiest moments in my life.

“I am glad i chose to travel from Sigatoka and win has paid off.

“The dish was a simple chicken curry recipe with a few techniques that I learnt from my mother.

“My mother taught me how to cook and I would like to encourage people to keep making and using of traditional way produce especially when it comes to cooking.”

MS Sophia was part of the 15 participants that competed in the Best Chicken Curry category.

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