The educational day was part of Tilda’s pledge to support the next generation of chefs. The New City College student team consisted of Siven Pillay and Jane Bryan-Brown.
Cyrus Todiwala, the co-founder Zest Quest Asia in 2013, said: “It is very important to teach young chefs about ingredients and help them understand what they are cooking with. Only then will they have the confidence to explore and create exciting dishes.
“Today we discovered the world of rice, tasted its many varieties and saw all the stages and quality checks these grains go through, for it to become the Tilda Rice we know and use as chefs. It was an amazing day for the students and tutors of New City College.”
As part of the prize the students had an all-expenses-paid overnight stay at the new Hilton Curio in Canary Wharf and a VIP five-course dinner at Todiwala’s kitchen.
Annette Coggins, head of foodservice, Tilda UK added: “I’m delighted New City College got so much out of the innovation day. We hope through learning about the art of rice, these talented chefs can take their cooking to the next level.
“Zest Quest Asia plays a crucial role in promoting the exciting world of Asian cuisine and Tilda is excited to be a gold sponsor in 2020 - the seventh year of this prestigious culinary competition.
“We will be announcing more details of the Tilda ‘Best Use of Rice’ category soon, with an even bigger prize that will take our winners on an unforgettable culinary adventure – so watch this space!”
Tilda’s rice range includes the basmati & wild, arborio risotto rice and jasmine rice.