Inês Branco

Coimbra Region, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021-22
Portugal

“Through a dish, chefs have the power to awaken all the senses and, the more they appeal to the senses, the longer the eater’s memory of it will last.”

Inês Branco is the young chef who represented Coimbra Region, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021-22 at the European Young Chef Award 2021.

18-year-old, after concluding a course of Cooking and Pastry at EHT Coimbra, Inês is now a student of the Pastry Management and Production course at EHT Porto.

The inspiration for the dish she will present at the EYCA 2021 came from her childhood. She grew up in Cantanhede, happily surrounded by flour and sugar at her grandparents’ bakery. Since she was a little child, she has always been around her grandmother to watch her preparing cakes. A small apron on, she would receive some dough to make her own creations.

To Inês, cooking is much more than doing something she enjoys. In her opinion, chefs do not only work to satiate others, but have the power to bring people together and give them great memories.

Inês has proudly been a scout for four years. When she is not cooking, she enjoys horse riding, music and being with her friends.