Members of the public, restaurant critics and food journalists were invited to nominate their favourite professional chefs across all Asian and Oriental cuisines.

Contestants were required to prepare a starter and a main course in an hour. Marks were awarded for originality, creativity, technical skill, use of local produce, presentation and flavour.

Chef Ashwani’s winning entry was a rice crusted tiger prawn martini, followed by charcoal smoked guinea fowl stuffed with spinach, feta cheese and pine nuts, rolled in pistachio served with black pepper and yoghurt sauce, beetroot froth, wheat crisps, sautéed pak choy, broccoli and oriental chili potatoes. 

The live cook-off event was held at Pillars Kitchen at the University of West London on Monday 21st February.  The Winners will be presented at the House of Lords on Monday 2nd March 2022.

Commenting on the competition, ACF chairman Yawar Khan said: “Standards have risen exponentially since we launched our various awards to recognise the most innovative chefs. During the Covid-19 lockdown, restaurants had to survive on their takeaway and delivery offers, with even Michelin-starred restaurants turning to this avenue for the first time – with our sponsor Just Eat providing them with a vital route to market.”

The Runner’s-Up award went to Vinod Rawat, head chef of Pushkar restaurant in Birmingham. Third place went to Iqbal Ahamad, head chef of the acclaimed Grand Trunk Road in Woodford in East London.