In the fast-paced corporate world, team-building events are crucial for fostering collaboration, boosting morale, and strengthening bonds among colleagues. Euroclear Bank, a loyal and repeat client, recently embarked on unique and mouthwatering culinary team-building experiences. This blog post delves into Euroclear Bank's virtual cooking classes with ChefPassport and their talented chef – Chef Josh. Join us as we explore their exciting culinary adventures, cooking a Thai food menu – Pad Thai and uncovering the motivations behind their delicious choices.
We'll also share exclusive Thai food menu recipes from our esteemed Chefs for you to recreate at home.
Euroclear Bank's Pad Thai Cooking Event:
One of Euroclear Bank's remarkable culinary team-building events featured the vibrant flavors of Thailand with a focus on the iconic dish, Pad Thai. Led by ChefPassport and Chef Josh, the participants embarked on a virtual culinary journey, where they discovered the secrets behind this beloved Thai delicacy.
Pad Thai is a quintessential Thai dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Euroclear Bank recognized the value of introducing their team to this popular and culturally significant dish, which showcases the diversity of Thai cuisine and offers an exciting culinary adventure for participants.
During the virtual cooking session, ChefPassport and Chef Josh guided Euroclear Bank's team through the step-by-step process of creating Pad Thai from scratch. From preparing the ingredients to mastering the art of stir-frying, the participants immersed themselves in the vibrant colors and aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine. The interactive nature of the experience encouraged teamwork, communication, and creativity, enhancing Euroclear Bank's team cohesion and fostering a sense of achievement.
Interview with Euroclear Bank: Insights on Team Building and Virtual Events
- Tell me a little bit about your team and what type of business you are in?
Euroclear Bank: We are working with client service in the financial sector, supporting other institutions and clients. Our day-to-day operations revolve around providing excellent client support through various channels.- Let’s start from the beginning. What were you doing before to build team bonding?
Euroclear Bank: We used to organize yearly events for our team, often outdoor activities like paintball or hiking trips to the mountains. However, with the pandemic, we had to adapt to a new reality, and those types of events were no longer possible. We had separate events for our team in Krakow and Belgium, tailored to their respective locations.- Where do you get the most value out of a team-building activity?
Euroclear Bank: The most important aspect is involving as many people as possible to make the event interesting for the majority. We also found that organizing events during working hours increased participation compared to after-work events.- What problems were you trying to solve when you found us? What were your frustrations?
Euroclear Bank: We were not specifically trying to solve any problems, as our team-building activities were more of a yearly tradition. Since we had a positive experience with ChefPassport the previous year, there was no need to look for something new.- What results did you achieve with our solution? Do you have any metrics you can share with me?
Euroclear Bank: Our main goal was to involve as many people as possible, and we had a good turnout. For the Pad Thai session, we had around 19-20 participants, and for the Roman Delight session, around 15. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.- What do you think the impact of working with us has been? What was the ROI?
Euroclear Bank: The impact of working with ChefPassport was evident in the happy and engaged participants. We received no negative feedback, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the events. The return on investment was seen in the smiles and satisfaction of our team.- With the world going back to normalcy post-pandemic, would you still consider virtual events for team building? Why yes? Why not?
Euroclear Bank: Post-pandemic, we would prefer in-person events as they provide the opportunity for face-to-face interactions and a greater sense of connection. While virtual events were a great replacement during the pandemic, we believe that meeting and seeing each other in person is what people truly desire for integration events. However, considering our offices are spread across different cities and countries, it may still be more practical to organize separate events for our geographically dispersed teams.
Conclusion:
Euroclear Bank's culinary team-building events with ChefPassport and Chef Josh were undoubtedly a resounding success. By choosing Pad Thai, Euroclear Bank showcased its commitment to embracing diverse flavors and providing its team with unforgettable culinary experiences. These events served as catalysts for team cohesion, creativity, and delicious memories. As a team building through culinary experiences continues to gain popularity, Euroclear Bank's story serves as an inspiring example of how food can unite and strengthen teams within the corporate world.
The Story of Thai Food: A Culinary Journey
Thai cuisine is a treasure trove of vibrant flavors, aromatic herbs, and exotic spices. With a rich history dating back centuries, Thai food reflects the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the country. From the royal courts to bustling street markets, Thai cuisine has evolved into a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
The unique character of Thai food can be traced back to its geographical location, which allowed for trade and cultural exchange with neighboring countries. Influences from China, India, Malaysia, and even Europe have left their mark on Thai culinary traditions. Over time, these culinary influences melded with local ingredients, resulting in a cuisine that is distinctly Thai.
One of the defining characteristics of Thai food is the artful balance of flavors. In every dish, there is a harmonious interplay of spicy chilies, tangy lime, aromatic lemongrass, pungent fish sauce, and the delicate sweetness of palm sugar. This symphony of flavors is what sets Thai cuisine apart and makes it a delight for the taste buds.
Now, let's explore two beloved Thai recipes that will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok and the aromatic kitchens of Thailand.
Tom Yum Goong (Thai Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup)
Ingredients:
- 10 large shrimps, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 3 slices galangal or ginger
- 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, sliced
- 4-5 mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add the shrimps and mushrooms. Cook until the shrimps turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Adjust the flavors according to your preference.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Pad See Ew (Stir-Fried Wide Rice Noodles)
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces wide rice noodles, soaked in hot water until soft
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced chicken, beef, or tofu
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups Chinese broccoli or broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Push the garlic to one side and add the sliced meat or tofu. Stir-fry until cooked through.
- Push the meat to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until cooked.
- Add the soaked rice noodles and Chinese broccoli to the wok. Stir-fry everything together until well combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), and sugar. Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir-fry for a couple of minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts.
These recipes offer just a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of Thai cuisine. Whether you're savoring the tangy and spicy flavors of Tom Yum Goong or indulging in the comforting stir-fried noodles of Pad See Ew, Thai food is sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand. If you're looking to create a memorable and engaging team-building experience for your company, consider exploring corporate cooking classes with ChefPassport. Visit our website to learn more and contact us for the same awesome experience for your teams!