Teams from Cheshire College South & West, North Hertfordshire College, UHI North Highland College (Dornoch), The Sheffield College, University College Birmingham and the University of West London will take part in the live cook-off final.
The six teams will be cooking their Asian-inspired dishes in the kitchens of the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism of the University of West London. Both the live cook-off and Gala Dinner and Awards Night will take place on Friday 17th February 2023.
Each team will be required to exhibit their understanding of the Asian cultures influencing their menu via a presentation to the board of judges, headed by Steve Munkley, vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs.
Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL FIH said: “The judges and I were blown away by the standard of the entries this year, which proves that colleges are now truly nurturing student chefs who are out to learn and excel in their craft and win tough competitions like Zest Quest Asia.
“Unfortunately, we could only have six finalists, but I would encourage even those that did not make it this year to try again. Competition was so close, and this was just the first stage. It’s only fitting, with Zest Quest Asia now on its tenth year, that the appreciation for Asian cuisine has risen perceptibly, as was clear from the entries.
“Good luck to all the finalists. You’ll find it was worth competing. Great prizes await you all. Indeed, our current winners have just been enjoying an epic week-long trip to the Philippines courtesy of Don Papa Rum.”
The winners of Zest Quest Asia 2023 will receive a seven to ten day educational ‘trip of a lifetime’ to an Asian destination as well as other prizes.