In this vibrant episode of Talking Hospitality, recorded live at Zest Quest Asia 2024, hosts Timothy R. Andrews and Tracey Rashid meet Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala, the passionate founders behind Zest Quest Asia.

This exciting conversation uncovers the story behind their mission to elevate Asian cuisine within the UK hospitality industry. Cyrus and Pervin explain their dedication to getting Asian culinary training onto the British curriculum, promoting authentic Asian cooking beyond stereotypes, and fostering homegrown talent. They reveal how Zest Quest Asia empowers young chefs through immersive competitions and international exposure, providing life-changing experiences.

Listeners will discover:

• How Zest Quest Asia is shifting perceptions and overcoming barriers within hospitality education.
• The remarkable growth students demonstrate after just 24 hours of competition.
• Success stories highlighting previous winners who have advanced to prestigious roles, including opportunities in Tokyo and Michelin-starred kitchens.
• Why Cyrus and Pervin insist on UK residency for participants to ensure the benefits stay within Britain.
• Their inspiring vision for an inclusive hospitality industry accessible to all, irrespective of background.

Takeaways:

1.Elevating Asian Cuisine: Zest Quest Asia aims to integrate Asian culinary training into the British hospitality education curriculum, promoting authentic Asian dishes beyond common stereotypes.

2.Developing Homegrown Talent: The initiative prioritises British residents to ensure skills and knowledge developed through Zest Quest Asia remain within the UK hospitality industry.

3.Rapid Student Growth: Students participating in Zest Quest Asia competitions show significant skill and confidence improvements within just 24 hours, demonstrating the transformative power of hands-on experience.

4.Real-Life Success Stories: Past winners of the competition have advanced into prestigious international positions, including opportunities in Michelin-starred restaurants and esteemed establishments in Tokyo.

5.Inclusivity and Accessibility: Cyrus and Pervin advocate strongly for making hospitality careers accessible to everyone, irrespective of their background, thus helping to dismantle traditional barriers within the industry.

Through engaging anecdotes and reflective insights, this episode captures both the struggles and successes of introducing Asian cuisine to mainstream hospitality education. Cyrus and Pervin also share heartfelt personal stories and reveal their continued commitment despite earlier setbacks.

If you’re passionate about the future of hospitality, diversity, and the exciting evolution of Asian cuisine in Britain, this is an episode not to be missed