Hugo Montgomery, Peter Price and Alexander McLaren were awarded the prize after successfully completing a three course South Asian dinner in a cook-off at Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen, the signature restaurant at Hilton London Heathrow Terminal Five.

The winning menu included royal thali with roast loin of Scottish venison, Chana Dahl, peanut sauce, Aloo Gobi and roti bread as part of the main course.

Lewis Walker, chef tutor and University College Birmingham, said: “Winning this year means a lot, and it shows that perseverance and hard work can really pay off. The students practised out of hours, and in their own time, continuously and were determined to succeed.

“This is also UCB’s fourth attempt to win Zest Quest Asia and the lesson is you must never give up. We came back each year determined to do better and this year we succeeded. Clearly, I am very excited about our trip to Japan and what we learn whilst there.”

The award and trip to Japan, courtesy of sponsor Panasonic, was given to the trio at the Hilton hotel at a gala dinner and ceremony attended by 280 guests.

Montgomery, Price and McLaren also prepared a ten minute presentation on the theory behind Asian culture.

Restaurateurs Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala launched Zest Quest Asia in 2013 in association with Master Chefs of Great Britain.