Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU), renowned for its commitment to cultivating budding talents through top-tier education, organized the inauguration of the highly esteemed Young Chef Young Waiter (YCYW) 2024 in Mumbai on January 18, 2024. With a legacy of fostering and motivating the global hospitality sector for more than forty years, this competition marks its debut in India, promising an exciting milestone for the industry.
Launched in 1979 in the UK through collaboration with UK Hospitality and the Restaurant Association, the competition aimed to elevate hospitality as a preferred career path. With unwavering support from industry professionals, it has thrived 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.”
Adding to this, Sean Valentine, Managing Director, World Young Chef Young Waiter, said, “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.”
The alignment of values between the university and the Young Chef, Young Waiter competition is remarkable. Both entities prioritize creativity, forward-thinking, and a proactive approach, aiming to foster talent and inspire young individuals to explore careers in culinary arts and hospitality. Through the competition, the goal is to facilitate the professional development of aspiring chefs and service personnel by challenging their abilities in high-pressure scenarios and providing opportunities for learning from global industry experts.
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Dr 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 judging panel for the competition will consist of Chef Mario Perara and Chef Cyrus Todiwala, both renowned figures in their respective domains. The event will start with an initial review of applications, leading to the India Finals, and ultimately culminating in the finalists vying for victory on the global 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.
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