Deadline looms for entries to Zest Quest Asia

Individual colleges throughout Britain are encouraging their students to enter the ground breaking Zest Quest Asia competition, as the deadline for entries is the 5th December. The event gives a chance for full-time students with British residency to learn about and show their understanding of a cuisine that millions of people throughout the world now call their own.

The Asian food industry is worth £3 billion, and home-grown culinary talent will become valuable assets to a sector suffering from a severe skills shortage despite its being set to grow in years to come. Zest Quest Asia has caught the attention of many of the industry’s top suppliers, who have pledged their support. Gold and silver sponsors of the competition include Tilda, Cavity Protection Systems, 3663, Panasonic, Cobra Beer, Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Whisky and Hilton T5.

Cyrus Todiwala, who created Zest Quest Asia and one of the judges, said: “By 5th December, we should have all entries in so that paper judging can begin." Cyrus will judge with the Master Chefs of Great Britain and notify the shortlisted teams shortly after the deadline so that the final stages "leading to the cook-off and presentations can begin.”

Last year, a triumphant team from Westminster Kingsway College enjoyed a 10-day tour of India following their winning performance at a cook-off held at Hilton London Heathrow T5. This year’s cook-off and gala dinner will be in February 2015 and will also take place at the Hilton. It’s not just the prize of a culinary study tour to an exotic Asian destination that makes a contest like Zest Quest Asia so exciting for students. The competition is also an opportunity to advance their career by proving their knowledge of Asian cookery.

In the last two weeks, the Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) has been urging members to submit their entries, reinforcing the fact that colleges can enter more than one team. Geoff Booth, Chairman of PACE, said, “This is a great competition and at PACE we want all our member colleges to take advantage of getting involved.” Geoff goes further to add “Zest Quest Asia is an exceptional chance to develop skills by taking part in this exciting challenge. It creates the opportunity to gain wider recognition too, with an amazing reward for the winning team.”

Entry forms, as well as more information about the event, are available here.

By Jenny Williams