Zest Quest Asia is battling the growing skills shortage in the UK’s professional Asian kitchens by developing young talent through its UpSkill Day and via its student chef competition that has been running for seven years.
Cyrus Todiwala OBE and founder of Zest Quest Asia, said: "We are developing a pipeline of young home grown cooks who truly understand and have the ability to prepare food in an authentic Asian style, using classical Asian techniques. They are the future of our industry."
There are over 10,000 restaurants offering Asian cuisine in the UK and the Asian food sector is worth an estimated £3 billion.
The schedule for the day is:
10.00 am: Welcome and Introduction- Cyrus Todiwala and general manager Alex Mosquito from Hilton T5
10.15 am: Cyrus Todiwala - What is Spice - What Inspires You
11.00 am: - Tilda Rice - Why is rice so Important
11.30 am: - Steve Munkley- History - The Peking Duck
12.00 pm: Short lunch break
12.45 pm: Adam Smith - Planning for Competitions
1.15 pm: Jazz - Local and Inspiring
1.45 pm: Jerome Dreux - Sweet 'n' Spice - a balancing act
2.30 pm: Finish - Thank you - travel safely - be inspired