HBI Staff | Mumbai 
Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU organised the launch of much-acclaimed Young Chef Young Waiter (YCYW) 2024 competition in Mumbai recently. Having encouraged and inspired the global hospitality community for over four decades, the competition is now being held for the very first time in India.
Inaugurated in 1979 in the UK in partnership with UK Hospitality and the Restaurant Association to promote hospitality as a career of choice, the competition has been supported by professionals in this field for over 45 years.
Dr Robert Walton MBE, Chairman and President of the Restaurant Association UK, said, “The Young Chef Young Waiter competition has a storied history of discovering and celebrating talent in the hospitality industry. Hosting this event at Ajeenkya DY Patil University adds a new and exciting dimension, especially as we resonate with the university’s dedication to encouraging out-of-the box thinking. We keenly await new flavours and experiences from India.”
“The YCYW competition will be the perfect launchpad for young Indian talent to build global networks and learn from the very best. We want to spotlight India as a rising giant in hospitality excellence, said, Sean Valentine, Managing Director, World Young Chef Young Waiter.
The confluence of principles between the university and the Young Chef, Young Waiter competition is striking. Both organizations value ingenuity, innovative thinking, and a can-do attitude and aspire to nurture talent and encourage youth to consider professional culinary arts and hospitality pursuits. The competition thus intends to propel professional growth for young student chefs and service trainees by testing their skills under pressure and helping them learn from industry experts across the world.
Ajeenkya DY Patil, President, Ajeenkya DY Patil University and Chairman, Ajeenkya DY Patil Group said, “We are thrilled to host the YCYW competition and join in the celebration of the rising stars in India’s vibrant hospitality segment. By providing a global platform for young talent, we hope to spotlight Indian culinary arts and service excellence while inspiring wider interest in this industry. We are proud to be associated with this initiative, and we look forward to seeing the extraordinary skills that young professionals will bring to the table.”
The competition will be judged by Chef Mario Perara and Chef Cyrus Todiwala, both highly acclaimed in their fields. It will start with an initial screening of applications, followed by India Final and the finalist further competing at the World stage.
Celebrity Chef Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL, Café Spice, United Kingdom, said, “Indian cuisine and service standards have made their mark globally. In fact, the country has seen praiseworthy growth in culinary excellence and service standards in the last decade. We are delighted to bring this global competition to India to celebrate the immense potential of local talent on the world stage.”
“I’m thrilled to judge the creative talents of India’s next generation of hospitality heroes. This is a great opportunity for them to show the world that they have what it takes to leave a mark on the hospitality industry worldwide,” added Celebrity Chef Mario Pereira, Executive Chef, The Dorchester.
Registration for the competition will continue until June 15. Aspiring participants can register themselves on https://youngchefyoungwaiter.com/india.
