Priyanka Nath, Hyderabad

“Well, food is something I love (I think most of us do) but I never really thought that I could cook. I had never even tried much as I always ended up burning myself (so my mom wouldn’t let me). It’s only through IIHM YC that I have discovered this hidden talent of mine i.e. cooking! And to be honest, I actually enjoyed myself.

I’m very excited and thrilled to be part of such a big competition... but at the same time, I’m tense too. I’ve been practising under the guidance of my mom, my aunt and a few experts. They’ve been guiding me throughout. Even the IIHM family in Hyderabad has been supportive,” said the Class XII student of Glendale Academy. 

Sarthak Kalra, Jaipur

“When I stood among the top 10 regional finalists, I could hear my heart pounding. I could see the happiness and excitement on my parents’ faces. All the best to the fellow contestants, and see you in London!” said the  student of Rukmani Birla Modern High School.

Vedika Kariwala,Ahmedabad

Her favourite food is Stuffed Aubergine and her fave Indian chef is Sanjeev Kapoor. “Young Chef is a dream come true for me,” said the student of Maharaja Agrasen Vidhyalaya, who has been cooking up everything from Pineapple Sandesh to Cheese Potato Bites. 

Roshni PatWekar, Pune

“Going to London is like an impossible dream coming true. Like who gets a chance at the age of 17 to showcase their culinary skills on such a big platform and become a star? Or get trained by the experts of the hospitality industry like chefs Shailendra Kekade (of Food Food) and Ritesh Sen. I wish all the finalists good luck!” said the student of S.M. Choksey High School & Junior College. 

Will it be a hat-trick for Calcutta?

Tejas Singhania, Calcutta

“I am super excited and super-duper nervous about the finals. My teachers have wished me all the best and my friends have been telling me that if I don’t win, I will be shot because the last two Young Chef winners (Garima Poddar and Simran Kapur) are from Calcutta! As for my prep before D-Day... well, that’s a secret,” grinned the Class XI student of The Heritage School, whose favourite food is Paneer Tikka. 

Istuti Kulshrestha, Delhi 

“I was born in 1998 to a Kayastha Brahman family and wanted to pursue medicine as my career. Cooking was always one of my hobbies I turned to after the tiring schedules at school and coaching. And it was this hobby that helped me discover my talent hidden behind piles of books. IIHM has given me the perfect platform to showcase it,” said the Class XII medical stream student at Salwan Public School, Gurgaon. 

Tanay Jain, Bangalore

“I’m very excited! Finally the moment has come for which I have been waiting for so long. At the same time I’m nervous and apprehensive about what lies ahead. I have been trying out new recipes and having others taste them to see what works best. I hope my dish will impress the judges,” smiled the Delhi Public School (north) student. 

RECAP

What is IIHM Young Chef India Schools 2015?

It is a culinary competition for Class XI and XII students in India, held in association with t2. In short, it’s like the Indian masterchef of school students. 

What is the purpose?

To provide a platform for students who love cooking and perhaps, would like to pursue a career in hospitality.

Who are these seven finalists?

After many rounds of grilling (literally!), finalists from each of the seven cities having an IIHM campus, were selected. They will compete at the finals at the University of West London. 

Who’s the biggest guest this year?

Heston Blumenthal, the chef of the three Michelin starred Fat Duck restaurant in the UK and MasterChef judge, is expected to drop by.  

What does the winner take home?

The Young Chef title and 5,000 pounds! Check out www.iihmyoungchef.com for more details.