IoH students from University College Birmingham, Edinburgh College and the University of West London have made it through to the semi-finals of this student culinary competition designed to deepen knowledge and appreciation of Asian cuisine.
The teams of three students will now compete in a high-stakes knowledge presentation on 3 April, followed by an intense live cook-off on 4 April. The winners will be revealed at a grand gala dinner at the Hilton London Wembley, where the University of West London has once again generously provided its state-of-the-art training kitchens for the final showdown.
To secure a spot in the finals, each team created a compelling 5-minute video showcasing their chosen Asian menu, explaining their inspiration, and previewing their four-course entry.
In the final round, competitors must incorporate ingredients from sponsors Lee Kum Kee, Tilda Foodservice and Kerrymaid, and demonstrate three cooking techniques using a Panasonic combination microwave oven.
Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL FIH, chef-owner of Café Spice Namaste said, “In several Asian cultures, eight is considered a lucky number so we’re delighted that this year for the first time we have chosen eight finalist teams who will vie for the big prize.
“This year’s entries include dishes from Japan, Korea, Persia, Singapore, Vietnam, India and Thailand and I am heartened to see how food remains a great unifier, bridging the gap between cultures and fostering goodwill and kindness” he concluded.
The Zest Quest Asia 2025 Gala Dinner and Awards Evening takes place at the Hilton London Wembley on Friday, 4th April 2025.
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