Zest Quest Asia reveals eight finalists for 2026 competition

Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala have announced the eight finalists for their 13th annual Zest Quest Asia competition.

Teams from the following colleges will be competing in the final on 9-10 April at the University of West London: Cheshire College – South and West; Coleg Llandrillo; Milton Keynes College; North Hertfordshire College; Oaklands College; The Sheffield College; University College Birmingham and University of West London.

The finalists will compete for the first prize of a trip to a secret Asian destination, which will be revealed during the Gala Evening and Awards Dinner at the Hilton London Wembley on 10 April.

Last year’s winners, Loughborough College, travelled to Hong Kong and mainland China, thanks to the competition’s headline sponsor and condiment supplier Lee Kum Kee.

This year’s finalists must now impress the judges with a 15 to 20-minute knowledge presentation on 9 April, followed by a live cook off on 10 April.

The students have two hours to produce a four-course meal for four covers. Marking criteria for the live-cook off include performance in costing; wastage; use of sponsors’ products; workmanship hygiene, timings; authenticity of dishes; presentation of dishes; taste and flavour; and teamwork. The greatest weight is given to the team presentation, highlighting the importance of knowing and understanding the cuisine.

Zest Quest Asia has helped raise the popularity of Asian cuisine and cooking among full-time student chefs since it was first launched in 2013 with the support of the Master Chefs of Great Britain.

Cyrus Todiwala said: “This year we had over 40 entries for Zest Quest Asia. The number just grows every year. Zest Quest Asia is arguably the most prestigious culinary competition of its kind, and Pervin and I are bowled over by how committed the competitors have been and how well the competition has been run in the last few years.

“I would also like to express our wholehearted thanks to the Savoy Educational Trust, Carluccio Foundation and Worshipful Company of Cooks for offering funding support where necessary to colleges who have made it to the finals.”