Cochrane’s Gyanendra Sharma, better known as Chef G, aims to take Nepalese Cuisine to the highest level by participating in a Mt. Everest International Gastronomy Event dubbed the Seven Summit Alpine Food Festival from April 20 to May 4.
The cook off will host Nepalese chefs from around the world, where they will show the new heights, literally and figuratively, of Nepalese cuisine. As one of the owners and operators of Cochrane’s award-winning Aama Nepalese Cuisine, Chef G is one of the select chefs embarking on this adventure.
The event is organized by the Mt. Everest International Gastronomy Event Organization, a group based in the United States. The group reached out to Chef G after seeing Aama’s portfolio on social media, and he quickly decided that this was something he would be very interested in participating in.
“It’s a very proud moment to represent Cochrane, because we are at the foot of the Rockies,” Chef G said. “I couldn’t be happier to do this.”
Although their journey starts on April 20, he notes that the actual cooking will have to wait until April 28, after the they’ve reached Everest Base camp at 5,600 metres above sea level.
In preparation of the event, Chef G said he’s been practicing in the mountains and areas that can be found right in Cochrane’s backyard.
“I’ve been doing a lot of hikes around the Rockies, most of the mountains around here I’ve already climbed,” he said. “Just a lot of hikes, cardio, and swimming to keep myself fit. I’ve lost around seven to eight kilograms over the last three months.”
From opening Aama two years ago, to having the climb on the horizon, Chef G said it’s been an amazing journey and he looks forward to what this event will bring his way.
“I think it is a great learning platform for myself and chefs from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries,” Chef G said. “Obviously, I’m going to be thinking a little bit about the challenge that come along, because elevation cooking is not as simple as cooking in my kitchen.”
When he reaches Mt. Everest Base Camp, Chef G said he plans to cook Syakpa, also known as Sherpa Stew.
“I don’t see that stew being done more in the city area of Nepal,” he notes. “I know in the mountainside they do it, but I want to showcase that and tell them why I keep it here and why it’s so popular, especially in the part of the world I’m in.”
He adds that he also plans to incorporate some form of grilled meat, either goat or chicken, but he said that he’ll make that call when he ultimately gets there.
Chef G said this is a very proud moment for his family and his restaurant. He hopes everything goes well and he asks for the community’s support during his journey.
“I just want everyone to cheer for me and see how it goes,” he said.
Another initiative that Chef G would like to announce is the return of Momothon, a contest that will send one eligible winner to Mt. Everest Base Camp on a fully paid five-week trip. The event launched on March 4, with the draw for the winner set for February 2026.
Anyone who is interested in entering the draw can do so by ordering from a special $49.99 menu that consists of 18 momos and six spring rolls. Orders can be purchased online via www.aamanepalesecuisine.ca, by calling 403-376-6165, or in store.
