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Stephen Raymundo

Jude Cartalaba

<p>In the high-stakes, pressure-cooker world of global gastronomy, the Philippines has found its newest torchbearer in Stephen Raymundo.</p><p>The young Filipino chef, currently part of the team at Claridge&#x27;s in London, was recently crowned Young Chef England 2026. </p><p>While the accolade places him among the country&#x27;s most promising culinary talents, his path to the award began far from professional kitchens. He did not study in an elite culinary institute or undergo traditional culinary training. Instead, his passion for cooking started at home at the tender age of 13.</p><p>“My mum was the first person who taught me how to cook, and the first dish I ever made was adobo, a Filipino classic,” Raymundo shared, looking back with a smile. </p><p>“From that moment, it became something special between us. Whenever she was not home or was on her way back, she would text me and say, ‘Cook me adobo!’ Looking back now, that was the beginning of my connection with food.”</p><p>Today, while he spends his days mastering the rigorous, meticulous techniques of British and French haute cuisine at Claridge’s, his heart remains anchored to his roots. For Raymundo, the ultimate goal is to weave his heritage into his cooking, serving up world-class dishes inflected with a distinct Filipino twist.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782445557314YYYY ENGLAND CHEF WINNER - STEPEN RAYMUNDO SOCIAL FRAME.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-dragging"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Flavor and emotion</strong></div><p>For this young chef, cooking is far more than a display of technical skill — it is an exercise in empathy and human connection.</p><p>“My philosophy as a chef is to make a memory for the guest,” he explained. “I want my food to be something people remember, not only because of how it tasted, but because of how it made them feel.”</p><p>That fascination with the emotional resonance of food drives his daily hustle.</p><p>“I love seeing people react to something I have cooked, especially friends and family who do not know I am a chef. Seeing their faces light up and hearing them say, ‘Wow, this is nice’—is one of the most rewarding feelings. Food has the ability to bring back memories, create new ones, and connect people through flavour, smell, and presentation,” Raymundo said.</p><p>It is this profound understanding of individuality that sets him apart in a sea of talent.</p><p>“You could give three chefs the exact same ingredients, garnish, and brief, and each one would create something completely different,” he noted. “That is what makes food so exciting. Every plate carries the personality, creativity, and perspective of the chef behind it.”</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782445590853YYY ENGLAND CHEF WINNER - STEPHEN RAYMUNDO.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Working in Claridge’s</strong></div><p>Raymundo attributed the sharp trajectory of his growth to the unforgiving, elite standard of his current culinary home.</p><p>“Much of my development has come through real kitchen experience, especially through the daily trials and standards at Claridge’s. Working there has taught me discipline, consistency, speed, flavour, presentation, and respect for ingredients,” he said.</p><p>That rigorous discipline was put to the test at the World Young Chef Young Waiter (YYY) England Finals 2026. Facing down an esteemed, eagle-eyed panel of industry titans — including celebrity chef Calum Franklin, Simon Attridge of Claridge&#x27;s, Mario Perera of Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Tom Booton, and Roy Ner — Raymundo excelled under immense live pressure.</p><p>The competition goes far beyond the plate, evaluating emerging professionals on technical prowess, organization, creativity, teamwork, and mental fortitude.</p><p>Established in the UK in 1979, the YYY competition is an internationally revered platform celebrating the finest hospitality talent aged 28 and under. Designed to champion hospitality as a noble vocation, it fosters mentorship and opens global doors for the industry’s future leaders.</p><p>Raymundo shared the 2026 England podium with two equally formidable peers: Alex Coward from London&#x27;s Hide, who claimed Young Waiter of the Year; and Juni Guthrie from Sexy Fish, who secured Young Mixologist of the Year.</p><p>Together, this trio will proudly represent England at the upcoming World Finals, where they will face off against the absolute best young hospitality talent on the planet.</p><p>As Raymundo prepares to take his place on the global stage, he carries with him the discipline of Claridge&#x27;s, the prestige of England&#x27;s culinary elite, and the unforgettable aroma of a mother&#x27;s home-cooked adobo.</p>

<p>Young Filipino chef <i>Stephen Raymundo</i>, currently part of the team at Claridge's in London, was recently crowned Young Chef England 2026. </p>

Young Filipino chef Stephen Raymundo , currently part of the team at Claridge's in London, was recently crowned Young Chef England 2026.

Filipino chef Stephen Raymundo crowned as Young Chef England 2026

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Filipino chef Stephen Raymundo crowned as Young Chef England 2026

Jude Cartalaba

Published June 26, 2026 12:36 PM PHT

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Filipino Chef Stephen Raymundo

Young Chef England 2026

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