Gala Dinner and Awards Night
Gala Dinner and Awards Night
Come and join us celebrate the finalists in 2027!
Founded by restaurateurs Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala of Café Spice Namaste with the involvement of Master Chefs of Great Britain, the culinary competition recognises outstanding knowledge and understanding of Asian cuisine, and the talent and skill to design and execute an impressive menu of Asian dishes. Since its launch in 2013, Zest Quest Asia has been widely credited with raising awareness and interest in Asian flavours, cooking styles and techniques among a new generation of college-trained chefs, in some cases inspiring former contestants to seek careers in Asian cuisine. College lecturers are encouraged to get involved, by helping to motivate and mentor students who may be preparing classically influenced Asian cuisine for the first time.
The competition also aims to help stem the skills shortage in Asian cuisine threatening the billion-pound Asian food industry, as well as encourage educationists to include classical Asian cookery in the curriculum.
Come and join us to celebrate with the finalists of Zest Quest Asia 2027, who earlier in the day will have competed in a fast-paced cook-off to determine who will be crowned this year’s champions. As well as the top prize of a fantastic culinary journey around an Asian country, there are many other individual categories that the eight college finalists will have been fighting it out to win, and all awards and prizes will be announced at the Gala Dinner.
The evening will also include a raffle and other games with all proceeds going to the Todiwala Foundation, to promote knowledge and careers in Asian cuisine.
Hilton, London Wembley is very accessible and a 5 minute walk from Wembley Park underground station which is serviced by the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines, plus there is a public car-park immediately next to the hotel if you wish to drive.
Ticket Prices
Early Bird Offer (available until 31st December 2026)
- Table of 10: £900.00
- Individual Ticket: £90.00
Standard Prices (from 1st January 2027)
- Table of 10: £1,000.00
- Individual Ticket: £110.00
“Winning this year means a lot, and it shows that perseverance and hard work can really pay off. The students practised out of hours, and in their own time, continuously and were determined to succeed. This is also UCB’s fourth attempt to win Zest Quest Asia and the lesson is you must never give up. We came back each year determined to do better and this year we succeeded.”
LEWIS WALKER
Chef Tutor
UCB
2017 Winners
UCB
2017 Winners
“We are elated because it is such an honour to get this prestigious award. The students lived and breathed the competition for several weeks and they learned so much about Asian cuisine and from working with each other.”
DEBORAH NOLAN
Head of School
Farnborough College of Technology
Farnborough College of Technology
“I cannot tell you the extent of the good that this award will do for the College. We are amazed and grateful to the judges of Zest Quest Asia who recognised our team’s efforts.”
DARREN KLEIN
Catering Tutor
Milton Keynes College
2016 Winners
Milton Keynes College
2016 Winners
“I am absolutely delighted for our young students on their winning Zest Quest Asia. Their tireless efforts & dedication have really paid off. To execute a menu with no protein, in a such a highly esteemed competition, took a lot of courage. Their flavour profiles were spot on. Moreover, throughout the competition, the camaraderie among all the competing students & their lecturers was first class, a true pleasure to be a part of.”
ANDREW GABBITAS
Sheffield College
2022 Winners
2022 Winners