Panasonic continues support for Zest Quest Asia

Panasonic has confirmed it will again be a gold supporter of Zest Quest Asia, the pan-Asian culinary competition for college students.

The six colleges to compete in the finals for 2020 will be: Loughborough College, New City College, North Hertfordshire College, Sheffield College, University College Birmingham and University of West London.

The live cook-off will be held on the 7 February 2020 at Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, the signature restaurant of the Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, with the winners announced at a gala dinner and awards night that same evening.

In addition to the main competition prize, the finalists are competing for the chance to win a special prize offered by Panasonic in conjunction with the Embassy of Japan for its Rice Cooker Round.

During the competition, as well as authenticity in the use of Asian flavours and ingredients, the judges will be looking for creativity in the use of the rice cooker. Rice cookers are a vital part of Asian kitchens, both domestic and commercial.

The competition, founded by Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala in 2013 in collaboration with the Master Chefs of Great Britain, is noted for its rigorous criteria and exacting standards, but also for the range of prizes that await the winners and competitors, not least of which is a cultural and educational trip to an Asian destination. As headline sponsor in 2017, Panasonic took University College Birmingham on a trip of a lifetime to Japan.

Justin Burnell, head of new business development at Panasonic, said: “Every year it is an honour to support this great competition as the standard that the students cook to is astonishing, as is the passion and dedication they show in their entries. We’re wishing the very best of luck to all finalists and are looking forward to seeing their efforts this year.”

For tickets to the gala dinner visit www.zestquestasia.org