Master Chefs of Great Britain issues final call for Zest Quest Asia

The closing date is fast approaching for Zest Quest Asia – the UK competition that recognises students’ knowledge an aptitude for Asian cuisine.

Entries for Zest Quest Asia, organised by The Master Chefs of Great Britain (MCGB), will only be accepted until 20^th June; the MCGB is urging all catering colleges to take part by fielding teams of three full-time students and a tutor.

Last year, Westminster Kingsway College claimed victory, and this month lecturer Norman Fu and students Sam Jones, Theophil Dalton-Maag and Nathan Gayle claimed their prize of a ten-day culinary study tour in Bombay, Delhi and Poona.

Shortlisted teams will be judged on how well they execute a four-course, pan-Asian menu and demonstrate via a brief presentation their passion for and knowledge of Asia and the evolution of the continent’s various cuisines.

This year’s top prize is a study tour for the winners in Asia, and the recognition of a distinguished panel of judges that they are among the most promising future chefs of Asian cuisine, which in the UK is part of a £3 billion industry.

Chef and restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala, recently named BBC ‘Food Personality of the Year’ and the inspiration behind Zest Quest Asia, said: “The clock is ticking and if our best catering colleges want another feather in their cap, they must not waste any time getting their entries in. 

“Remember, Asian cuisine will only grow in popularity so it’s a great career choice for anyone wanting to make it as a chef.  I see Asian cuisine as an opportunity waiting to be tapped by the British.  You don’t need to be Asian to cook Asian food the Asian way, but it’s something you can develop your skills for.”

Entry forms for Zest Quest Asia are available from Sue McGeever at masterchefs@msn.com.

The closing date for entries for the 2014 Zest Quest Asia competition is 20^th June 2014.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner to be held at the Hilton London Heathrow T5 in October 2014.