i can't remember whether its set in japan or china. they cook all kinds of food, from fried rice to curry. i do remember they don't get ingredients as directly as Cooking Master Boy where they cut the whole cow in front of people just to get beef. and they don't any magical stuff, all they showcase is pure cooking skill. the young boy has also lost a couple of competitions and he's quite depress about it.

i think this anime is created in the 80's or early 90's

edit: arh! that's it, its Mister Ajikko! thankyou so much fjgs! *hugs*