BEEF + LAMB AMBASSADOR CHEF GOES BACK TO SCHOOL
Matt Robinson and Chetan Pangam
One of the roles that resonates most with Kiwi chefs is the opportunity to give back to the next generation of culinary talent. For Chef Chetan Pangam, this means creating a supportive learning environment in his kitchen and sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years with young chefs.
However, it’s not every day that chefs get the chance to return to the classroom and inspire school students to consider a career in hospitality, while also teaching them some essential cooking techniques and kitchen skills.
EATucation is an organisation that offers ready-made educational resources for schools from ECE through to NCEA level. It was founded by Michelin-trained chef and teacher Matt Robinson, who is passionate about using education to help young people improve their lives.
When the opportunity arose to collaborate with EATucation, Beef + Lamb New Zealand saw it as the perfect chance to make sure red meat was part of the conversation about healthy eating in the classroom. Involving a Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chef, who serves as a leading voice in New Zealand’s red meat sector, was a way to help us tell this story in an educational and inspiring way.
Matt says working with Chetan was an absolute pleasure and his depth of culinary knowledge was truly inspiring.
“What sets Chetan apart is not just his expertise, but his gift for sharing it, which makes him an ideal mentor for the next generation of hospitality professionals. He embodies the values the industry needs such as collaboration, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.”
We asked Chetan how it felt to be educating the younger generation and here’s what he had to say:
Why did you want to be involved with EATucation in an educational role?
It’s about making a positive impact - education can truly change lives, and as a parent, I’m passionate about helping the next generation. At One80 Restaurant, we host Gateway Programme students from local colleges, giving them a real taste of working in a commercial kitchen so I felt this was a bit of an extension of that.
What dishes did you cook during the EATucation filming?
We focused on red meat and frying techniques. Dishes included a lamb mince samosa with a twist, a rack of lamb with celeriac purée, a hearty lamb rogan josh, beef stir-fry with scotch fillet, and a beef stroganoff-style dish with noodles and brussels sprouts.
What do enjoy about teaching young people about food, nutrition and cooking?
I enjoy giving young people practical skills they can use for life. I was lucky to learn from family and mentors, so passing that knowledge on feels really rewarding.
Why is it important for children to learn to cook early on?
Cooking is a life skill. It builds confidence and patience which are important traits for kids. Seeing my own children experience the joy of cooking reminds me how empowering it can be. Food also connects them to culture and family traditions.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in hospitality?
Hospitality opens doors around the world. It teaches valuable life skills such as being hospitable, building social connections, and becoming independent. You meet people from all walks of life, which is enriching.
How can parents get kids interested in food, nutrition and cooking?
Keep it simple and start with the basics. Let kids experiment - even mistakes are great lessons. Encourage them to try new flavours, talk about where food comes from, and teach them about nutrition using fresh, seasonal produce. It helps build healthy habits and a real connection to what they eat. Most importantly, make it fun and enjoyable.
Read more about EATucation here.
Find out more about Chef Chetan Pangam here.