We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2024 competitors!
COMPETITOR
Ugly Noodles
HEAD COOK: Eric (Man Kee) Lee
COMPETITION: World Noodle Championship
Eric Lee is a third-generation Hong Kong entrepreneur with a diverse background in restaurants, engineering, banking, and overall concept creation and consultation in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. He also has experience in franchising, having opened and operated the first Halal Subway outlet in his hometown of Leeds, UK in 2008. His portfolio of successful restaurants spans various cuisines, including Chinese, Italian, Mexican, American, and British. Having lived in the the UK since 1991, Eric relocated to Dubai in November 2018 to pursue new ventures. By 2024, his brands Ugly Burger (shortlisted for Time Out's “Best Burger Bar” 2024) and Ugly Noodles have become household names, particularly popular among Dubai's foodie community. Other brands he has launched include Famous Chinese, Pow Pow Thai, and Banh Mi Mafia. Eric is a hands-on owner/operator, personally overseeing all menu development and R&D. Drawing from his extensive experience in the F&B industry since the age of 12, he has crafted unique and flavourful dishes. His passion for great food drives his mission to bring authentic and accessible street food concepts from around the world to Dubai.