Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) culinary student Ana Kasparova won the international “Global Taste of Korea” competition held May 31 at the Art Institute of Seattle. The Russia-born student beat out more than a dozen students and national restaurant chefs with her twist on japchae, a traditional sweet potato and noodle dish served for Korean special occasions.

“Korean cooking is so challenging,” said Matt Dimeo, LWIT Culinary Arts Instructor. “She had to make it perfectly to win and she did!” Ana’s secret twist included a bulgogi-infused meatball. Ana explained her process in a post-win interview with Korean television.

In July, the U.S. Korean Consulate will send Ana on an all-expenses paid trip to Seoul for the next round of competition against culinary stars from 15 countries including Italy, China, France, and Australia. Korean television will broadcast the finals.

“Ana is everything that’s possible at LWIT,” said Mimi Stockman, LWIT Culinary Arts Instructor. “She came here two years ago with a passion.  Last summer Ana took advantage of our study abroad program to really learn the cooking culture in Korea. Clearly it paid off.”

Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s nationally recognized culinary program is the winner of three regional and one national knowledge bowls and places chefs in institutions from fine dining to CenturyLink Field.