Three hospitality students from Ealing’s University of West London have reached the national final of a major Asian cuisine competition after impressing judges with a sustainable four-course menu.
Zain Williams, Riccardo Dalessandro and Kieran Dos Santos Coelho, who study Culinary Industry Management at UWL’s London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, secured a place in the final of Zest Quest Asia 2026.
The competition attracted 43 entries from 26 colleges and universities across the UK. UWL’s team is now among eight finalists tasked with creating a four-course menu showcasing the cuisine of an Asian country.
The final cook-off will take place at the university on 10 April, with the winners announced later that evening at a gala dinner at the Hilton London Wembley.
Ahead of the final, the students will present research on their chosen country’s cuisine and cultural influences to a panel of industry judges. They must also demonstrate how sustainability has been embedded in their menu, including responsible sourcing and reducing waste.
Nathan Vasanthan, senior lecturer at UWL, said: “Seeing our students pushing boundaries with such curiosity, discipline and growing cultural awareness is genuinely rewarding.”
Student Riccardo Dalessandro said: “This has been an amazing journey through Asian cuisine.”
