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Mixologist Sagar Lama Tapang’s sweet syrupy drink creations have not only secured him the MONIN Cup Bahrain title but also the chance to compete against the world’s top bartenders on an international stage in France next month.
The 23-year-old, who works at Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa in Seef, went up against the kingdom’s most innovative baristas in the first-of-its-kind mocktail and cocktail competition in which bartenders had to combine different ingredients using flavoured syrups, gourmet sauces and fruit smoothies and mixes.
The event, organised by MONIN, a manufacturer of flavoured beverage syrups which was founded in France more than a 100 years ago, and its local distributor Jawad Business Group, had whittled down a list of 20 recipe submissions online into 10 before giving the bartenders a chance to showcase their tasty drinks in front of three judges.
Sagar’s France 1991 offering and his Japanese Smooth wowed judges Pierre Fraboulet, MONIN trade marketing manager of Middle East, India and Africa, Mohammad Fadli, the food and beverage manager at Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, and Amit Khindri, the sales manager of Russian Standard.
Sagar, who has been bartending for two years, said: “I have never competed in anything like this before and was encouraged by my family to give it a try. It was exciting. My family was so supportive and cheered me on throughout.
“I named my first drink after France where the major competition will take place and my birth year 1991 since it’s my first event. For Japanese Smooth I used bamboo for presentation and sweet citron flavours to create a refreshing, cool, summer drink.
“I am so happy to win this title and really looking forward to the big tournament in France. I am nervous but quietly confident.”
Sagar comes from Nepal and moved to Bahrain in 2011. His father Kanchha, 44, a farmer and his mother Reli Maya Kumari Waiba, a housemaid, are both thrilled at his success. They cheered him on from Nepal along with his brother Milan,19, a university student. Sagar’s cousin, engineer Ashim Raj Moktan, 36, who has been living in Bahrain for more than 10 years, offered his support on the big day.
Confidence is an essential ingredient if the kingdom’s representative is to find further glory, according to Pierre who says that Sagar will have to bring his ‘A-game’ when he competes in the international final in Paris on December 1.
Pierre said: “Sagar was outstanding in terms of marks. He received 10 points more than the others. His drinks were well-prepared and his techniques were good. All the combinations he used were extremely positive offering a lot of new flavours and tastes.
“His drinks were well-balanced which is important.
“He had great skills and was entertaining but he will have to show even more confidence during the international final where he will be competing against 44 other top MONIN champions from the UK, Japan, Turkey, India, the UAE and other countries.”
During the competition, the bartenders will once again prepare their winning recipes in front of a panel of judges before being shortlisted down to a final mix of six. Afterwards, the successful half dozen will each receive a mystery box of ingredients to create a signature drink within minutes.
Pierre added: “There will not be any time to prepare and that will set apart the ultimate winner. We are delighted to see Bahrain represented. The people here are dynamic and energetic.”
