On the morning of March 20, 2025, the King of Chefs competition—AEP MasterChef 2025—was officially held at the outdoor circular stage, offering exciting experiences, lively entertainment, and lasting memories for students of the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs.

A view of the opening ceremony of AEP MasterChef 2025

Attending the opening ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President of the University; Dr. Vu Van Ngoc, Dean of the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs; representatives of the leadership of schools, departments, faculties, institutes, and centers; judges; sponsor representatives; faculty members; students; and competing teams from the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs.

AEP MasterChef is an annual cooking competition organized by the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs to provide a wholesome recreational opportunity not only for AEP students but also for all students of National Economics University (NEU) to pursue their passion for food.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President, delivers remarks

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong expressed his hope that AEP MasterChef 2025 would be not only an opportunity for students to challenge themselves but also a chance for AEP students to reflect on the values of home-cooked meals—where families bond, share love, and preserve familiar flavors. He also hoped that the program would create a joyful atmosphere and that participants would together make it a memorable journey for all AEP students.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President of the University, and Dr. Vu Van Ngoc, Dean of the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs, present gifts of appreciation to the judges and the media partner

Competing teams draw lots for their main ingredients

With the theme “Huong Vien,” AEP MasterChef 2025 aims to explore food while connecting people with the simple, familiar, and loving values found in the flavors of every home-cooked meal. Huong Vien is not just a cooking competition but also a journey to rediscover traditional values in every family meal. Each dish tells a story, and each flavor evokes a memory. The combination of ingredients not only creates delicious flavors but also awakens memories and feelings of immeasurable affection.

In this year’s competition, each team was tasked with preparing three dishes for a family meal, including one main dish and two side dishes. The prize structure includes cash and appealing gifts for the 11 competing teams, with one first prize, one second prize, two third prizes, and seven additional awards, promising fitting recognition for the teams’ dedication and efforts.

Featuring 11 talented teams from the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs, AEP Masterchef 2025 promises highly engaging and creative performances. It also offers students an opportunity to fully demonstrate their cooking talents, nurture their passion for food, enjoy exciting and emotionally rich experiences, and help spread the spirit of Vietnamese culinary culture.

Final results:

First prize: Lao International Students

Second prize: Tu quy at

Third prizes: Gia dinh cuon Thuy Nguyen and Pep 3 Pig 1

Most popular team award: Cooking Mama

Most impressive presentation award: Master Bep

Promising team awards: Cooking Papa, Hello Cookie, Ca chef hoa rong, Loi me dan, and Spice girls.

Representatives of the participating units’ leadership present awards to the competing teams

Some photos from AEP MasterChef 2025:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.