From Chile to Nigeria: Chef Cristian Duhalde Shares His Passion for Food at GTCO Festival
By People’s Voice Nigeria News
The GTCO Food and Drink Festival opened its doors in Lagos yesterday, bringing together food enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and celebrated chefs for an exciting culinary experience. Among the standout moments of the day was the masterclass led by Chef Cristian Duhalde, a Chilean culinary expert who has called Nigeria home for nearly 15 years.
Chef Duhalde, whose career spans almost three decades, took the audience on a flavourful journey, sharing his expertise in pizza-making. He broke down the essentials kneading techniques, ingredient selection, and oven temperature control, ensuring that attendees left with a deeper appreciation for the craft. “Cooking is more than a skill; it’s an expression of love,” he said, underscoring the importance of passion in his work.
Beyond technique, Chef Duhalde spoke about his cultural connection to Nigerian cuisine. “Many ingredients here, plantains, cassava, spices, remind me of South America. Our regions share more than people realize,” he noted. This philosophy influenced his former restaurant, Rapa Nui, inspired by the landscapes of Easter Island where he previously lived.
The festival, hosted at GT Centre, Victoria Island, featured 204 food vendors, displaying an incredible variety of local and international delicacies. Guests indulged in everything from Nigerian street food to gourmet pastries, while live cooking demonstrations and music performances added to the electric atmosphere.
GTCO Group CEO Segun Agbaje highlighted the festival’s impact on small food businesses, saying, “This is more than a food event, it’s a platform to empower entrepreneurs and celebrate our shared culinary heritage.”
As the festival continues through May 4, 2025, attendees can expect more masterclasses from international chefs, networking opportunities, and an immersive dive into the world of food. As Chef Duhalde expressed, “Food has the power to bring people together, spark joy, and create lasting memories.”
For lovers of food, culture, and learning, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival remains a must-attend event, showcasing the beauty of flavours across continents.
