Anil Bedag
Mumbai: The ‘Young Chef Young Waiter’ (YCYW) competition, which has been inspiring hospitality communities across the world for the last four decades, is all set to be held in India for the first time. Ajinkya DY Patil University (ADYPU) hosted its launch. This university is famous for honing the skills of the youth by providing world-class education. The objective of this competition is to test the skills of young student chefs and service trainees under pressure and prepare suitable professionals.
The competition was launched in 1979 in partnership with the UK Hospitality and Restaurant Association. This competition, which inspires people to take up hospitality as a career, has been supported by professionals associated with this field for the last 45 years.
Dr Robert Walton MBE, Chairman and President, Restaurant Association UK, says: “The Young Chef Young Waiter competition is setting the stage for talent discovery and recognition in the hospitality industry. Hosting this event at Ajinkya DY Patil University is adding a new and interesting dimension. The reason for this is that this university thinks differently. We are eagerly waiting to taste the new tastes and experiences of India.
Ajinkya DY Patil, President of Ajinkya DY Patil University and Chairman of Ajinkya DY Patil Group, said, “It is a great pleasure to host the YCYW competition. We are delighted to join the journey of the rising stars of India’s finest hospitality sector. We hope that by generating massive interest in this industry and providing a global platform to young talent, we will be able to showcase India’s culinary excellence and excellent service. We are extremely proud to be associated with this initiative. We look forward to seeing the amazing skills of the young professionals.”
Sean Valentine, Managing Director, World Young Chef Young Waiter says, “The YCYW competition is the perfect launchpad for young Indian talent to network globally and learn from the best. We want to show that India is emerging as a big player in hospitality excellence.
The competition will be judged by Chef Mario Pereira and Chef Cyrus Todiwala. Both of them are very expert in their respective fields. It will start with the screening of applications. After this, the finalists and finalists will compete at the world level.
Celebrity Chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL, Caffe Spice, United Kingdom says, “Indian cuisine and service standards have left their mark across the world. Not only this, the country has witnessed commendable progress in culinary excellence and service standards in the last decade. “We are delighted to present this competition in India to showcase local talent globally.”
Celebrity Chef Mario Pereira, Executive Chef, The Dorchester says, “It feels great to showcase the talents of the next generation of hospitality heroes. This is a great opportunity to show the world what they have to make their mark on the hospitality industry all over the world.”
Registration for this competition is starting from 18th January and will continue till 15th June. Interested participants can register themselves at youngshefyngwater.com.
