Accompanied by competition founders Cyrus & Pervin Todiwala on this ‘inspiring and fulfilling’ trip were students Phoebe Tuttle, Joe Defries and Beth Brewster. They witnessed first-hand the journey of the basmati rice grain from the paddy fields of Taraori in Haryana to the rice trading markets at Mundhi auctions.

A visit to Mary’s Meals, a charity supported by Tilda, that provides a school meal to some of the world’s poorest children offered a humbling revelation for the students. The team also cycled the ancient streets of Old Delhi, visited the majestic Taj Mahal and stayed a night at the historic Noormahal Palace Hotel.

Annette Coggins, head of Tilda Foodservice, said: “We were passionate about ensuring the students had an incredible educational experience, this unforgettable trip included visits to the paddy fields, conversations with farmers about sustainable farming methods and growing techniques, to seeing the end product traded at the Mundhi auctions.

“One of the most moving parts of the journey was our visit to Mary’s Meals charity. Observing the positive impact of the support Tilda Foodservice give and seeing how much more we can do; this was truly heart-warming but also a powerful reminder of the difference we can make and a real eye opener for the students.

“But it wasn’t just about the rice—they also had the chance to experience the wonderful sights, sounds, and smells of India, fully immersing themselves in its rich and diverse culture and having lots of fun along the way. The winning team were fantastic—eager to try everything and embrace every opportunity. I truly believe we provided them with a once-in-a-lifetime trip, filled with memories that will last forever.”

Zest Quest Asia has served as the springboard for many budding culinary careers enriched by exposure to authentic Asian ingredients and cooking styles. With the ongoing dearth of Asian food courses on the curriculum, the competition has helped to fill a skills gap.

Andy Gabbitas BEM, chef lecturer at The Sheffield College, added: “I cannot thank Tilda Rice and Cyrus & Pervin Todiwala enough for the incredible learning experience our students have had, a real trip of a lifetime, which has enriched their knowledge of Asian cuisine and culture enormously. We experienced authentic Indian life and culture and received some great education.”