Korean food fever hits Abuja! Victor Mac-adonai has become the first male to claim the top prize at the annual Hansik (Korean food) contest.
Abuja played host to the third edition of the Hansik contest organized by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN), and influencer Victor Mac-adonai emerged the winner after outshining seven other teams. He walked away with ₦300,000 and a 40-litre LG fridge for his mastery of traditional Korean dishes.
The 2026 edition, themed “The Soul of Hansik”, focused on Jang-based Korean dishes like Doenjang Jjigae (soybean paste stew), Maekjeok (Doenjang-marinated pork), Kimchi Jjigae, and Jeyuk Bokkeum (spicy pork stir-fry). Contestants showcased authentic Korean cuisine while blending creativity with locally sourced Nigerian ingredients.
Mac-adonai expressed excitement over making history as the first male winner after two years of female champions. “I prepared Maekjeok and Doenjang Jjigae, focusing on the soul of Hansik – pure Korean flavors. My next goal is to create a Nigerian-branded Ramyeon,” he said.
Runners-up included Faith Oluwasegun, who took home a 42-litre LG microwave, and Favour Datiloe, awarded a blender and airfryer for her third-place finish.
KCCN’s event planner, Yinjin Lee, highlighted the contest’s mission to promote authentic Korean cuisine and culinary skills among Nigerians, noting the competition had initially attracted 20 contestants online before narrowing to eight finalists for the final showdown.
Chef Godfrey Mario, APCN Vice President, praised contestants for effectively combining Korean techniques with Nigerian ingredients, further showcasing the creativity and versatility of participants.
The event also featured K-pop performances, Hansik exhibitions, chopstick challenges, and the graduation of K-pop students after eight weeks of training, making it a full celebration of Korean culture in Abuja.
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