The initiative is designed to help showcase diverse flavours from abroad, bringing authentic regional dishes to Elior’s clients through a transfer of knowledge and skills. Shivaraja Ningappa and Anthony Anandakumar presented their award-winning concept ‘Zest & Zeera’ at a number of Elior UK’s client sites.
The duo delivered over 300 covers as guests savoured India’s rich culinary heritage - from aromatic dishes such as moringa quinoa khichdi, tandoori spiced broccoli, and coastal Malabar prawn curry, to decadent jackfruit desserts.
The chefs engaged with Elior’s culinary teams as a knowledge transfer exercise, allowing for an authentic, hands-on experience with these cuisines that can be then delivered at Elior’s sites across the country.
The two chefs were taken to The Universal Cookery & Food Festival where they connected with local farmers, growers and suppliers as well as some of the industry's top chefs and experts.
Peter Joyner, director of food at Elior UK, said: “The Chef Exchange Program is a wonderful way to bring the global arms of our Elior team under one roof. To experience and help capture the vibrancy of this food being created was an absolute pleasure.
“Watching knowledge being transferred in real time, helping to craft beautiful and interesting food, is something really special. We’re now leveraging Elior’s global relationships to help give clients something they can’t simply find on the high street. It’s a very exciting time.”