Real good risotto! 18-year-old College Student bound for London after winning cooking contest
An up-and-coming teenage cooking star has booked himself a spot in the Grand Final of a prestigious culinary competition in London thanks to his unique take on risotto.
18-year-old Denys Moisa, who’s studying Professional Cookery & Hospitality, was named winner of the East Scotland Heat of the Riso Gallo UK & Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year 2026.
The rising culinary talent impressed judges with his innovative spin on the old classic, serving up Scottish Spring Forest risotto, showcasing creativity and technical skill alongside a strong commitment to sustainability, helping his dish stand out.
Judge Fraser Cameron, Head Chef at the Globe Inn, said it was a seriously strong effort:
“All of the young chefs should be so proud of their work, the standard this year was extremely high. It’s a credit to their mentors for nurturing them to this standard. Denys’ risotto was simply excellent, the rice was cooked perfectly, with the texture complimented by his use of sustainable Scottish ingredients, reflecting Gallo’s own commitment to sustainability which it’s championed for years. I really look forward to seeing him in action again at the Grand Final in London!”
Meanwhile the chef himself, Denys, said the dish was a culmination of many ideas:
“The ingredients were chosen to represent the fresh, seasonal taste of Scotland. I added the blue cheese to bring some umami balance, while I knew I wanted to make a leek ash with the green parts of the leeks, which are normally thrown away. This supported the zero-waste commitment, and helped to show off my main idea, which was using everything nature gives us.”
Denys’ lecturer, Paranthaman Arumaichelvam, said he should be very proud of his efforts:
“Denys was a thoroughly deserving winner due to his exceptional commitment, maturity, and professional approach to his culinary training at just 18 years of age. He consistently demonstrates an outstanding attitude towards learning. He is respectful, enthusiastic, and highly motivated to develop his cookery skills. He has a genuine passion for cooking and a strong interest in learning about cuisines from around the world, and we have no doubts he’ll go on to great things.”
Denys will now compete in the Grand Final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on June 1. Finalists will cook for an all-star panel of industry leading chefs, including Paul Gayler MBE, Mark Reynolds, and Michelin-starred chef Fabio Pisani from Milan restaurant Il Luogo Aimo e Nadia.
The overall winner will be awarded an all-expenses paid three-day work placement in Milan with Chef Pisani and his team. The runner-up will receive a prestigious stage at the Italian Embassy in London.