The competition also aims to highlight the £3bn Asian food industry in the UK and its need for many more chefs coming through the pipeline.

The deadline for entries for the competition, which is the brainchild of Cyrus Todiwala, is December 5 to enable more colleges to field teams.

Todiwala, chef patron of Café Spice Namaste, Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, The Park Café and his new Assado Restaurant in London, said: “Having consulted with a number of colleges that have shown a keen interest in the competition, the consensus appears to be that moving the deadline so that the entry process, the cook-off and the gala dinner all fall within the academic year, will ease the way for even more for students and their tutors to take part and win a fabulous study trip to Asia.”

Zest Quest Asia welcomes entries from student teams of three, plus their lecturer, from catering colleges across the UK to cook a four-course Pan Asian menu and make a presentation to judges designed to highlight their knowledge of Asian cuisine and the evolution of international cuisine styles and sustainability.

Last year, a team from Westminster Kingsway College won first prize, and they have since returned from a 10-day trip that took them through Delhi, Bombay and Poona.

To date, sponsors of the competition include Tilda Rice, Cavity Protection Systems, Panasonic and Bidvest 3663.

• The deadline for entries December 5 2014. The cook-off will be at the Hilton London Heathrow T5 on Monday, February 16 2015, when the winners will be announced at a gala dinner. Entry forms and more information about the competition can be found at www.zestquestasia.com.