Thailand trip inspires future chefs at Darlington College

Eighteen Level 2 and 3 culinary skills students and three members of staff from Darlington College spent 15 days in Bangkok learning the intricacies of Thai cuisine.

The trip, funded by the Department for Education’s Turing Scheme, was designed to hone their skills and broaden their horizons.

Students attended the Suan Dusit University and were presented with a certificate as part of the London-Bangkok World City Links Traditional Thai Cuisine initiative.

For mature student and Darlington College learning support worker Tina Snowball, the trip has inspired thoughts of retiring to Thailand.

She said: “It was the first time I’d been to South East Asia and I loved it.

“I can’t wait to go back.

“It was brilliant, incredible and I am thinking of retiring there.

“It is so nice, cheap and cheerful.

“The people are extremely welcoming and there are so many nationalities that you don’t feel out of place.

“I have always loved cooking, it’s been a passion of mine and it was absolutely amazing learning about Thai food.

“The trip has certainly inspired me.”

Alisha Goddard, 17, of Catterick Garrison, was equally motivated.

She said: “It was the first time I had been to Asia and I didn’t want to come back.

“I loved how different it was from here and I would certainly go back.

“I now don’t want to stay in the UK and this has encouraged me to work abroad, possibly on cruise ships.”

Darlington College lecturer Dawn Cobb said: “The trip was absolutely incredible and our students threw themselves into the Thai food culture with such enthusiasm.

“The Thai people were the perfect hosts and we all learned such a lot from the whole experience.”

Students will now share their experiences by hosting an Asian theme buffet on March 11 in the college Glasshouse Restaurant from 6.30pm.

They will recreate some of the dishes they learned to cook in Thailand.

To book a place call 01325 503188/503050 or email glasshouse@darlington.ac.uk.