​Empowering Future Chefs: Zest Quest Asia Launches Grant Scheme for 2025

Zest Quest Asia, a renowned cooking competition focused on Asian cuisine, has introduced a new grant scheme to support college teams participating in the 2025 contest. Founded by acclaimed chefs Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala, the competition has become a pivotal event in fostering interest and expertise in Asian culinary traditions among young chefs across the UK.

The newly launched scheme will provide grants of up to £1,000 to as many as six colleges that meet specific eligibility criteria. These grants aim to ease the financial burden associated with entering the competition, with up to £500 of each grant being contributed by the Worshipful Company of Cooks of London. The funds are intended to assist with travel and subsistence costs, making it easier for smaller or more geographically remote colleges to participate.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment by Zest Quest Asia to ensure the competition is inclusive and accessible to a wider range of educational institutions. By reducing financial barriers, the organisers hope to encourage more colleges to engage with the event, particularly those that may have previously found it challenging to participate.

Launched in 2013 with support from the Master Chefs of Great Britain, Zest Quest Asia aims to raise awareness of Asian cuisine among young chefs enrolled in full-time catering courses. Over the years, it has become a valuable platform for students to explore and hone their skills in a diverse and dynamic culinary field.

Cyrus Todiwala expressed his concern about the challenges facing hospitality colleges today, particularly regarding funding for extra-curricular activities like competitions. He emphasised the importance of providing financial assistance to ensure colleges can continue to offer students these valuable learning opportunities. "Many of our hospitality colleges are closing, and those that remain often struggle to afford participation in competitions like ours," Todiwala said. He also highlighted the generosity of key partners, including The Savoy Educational Trust, The Antonio Carluccio Foundation, and the Worshipful Company of Cooks of London, for their support in funding the grants.

The competition, which spans two days, culminates in a live cook-off on the final day, followed by a gala dinner at the Hilton London Wembley, where the winners are announced.

Anthony Gascoigne, Course Team Leader for Hospitality and Catering at North Hertfordshire College, praised the competition for its impact on students. He noted how Zest Quest Asia has become a source of inspiration, offering students unique opportunities to engage with Asian cuisine. "The competition has provided our students with a platform to express themselves in a cuisine not typically part of the curriculum, and it has added colour and vibrancy to their learning experiences," Gascoigne remarked.

In 2023, Sheffield College won the top prize, impressing judges with a Filipino-inspired menu. Their victory earned them an exciting trip to New Delhi, India, giving the students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to further their culinary journey.

With the introduction of this new grant scheme, Zest Quest Asia continues to strengthen its role as a transformative force in the education and development of the next generation of chefs, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit participation or the pursuit of excellence.