University Chef: Where students display their amazing kitchen skills

Seventeen young chefs, a jury with years of culinary experience and one common platform to showcase their gastronomical talent — this year’s edition of University Chef at Delhi University’s Shyam Lal College was all about great food and greater kitchen prowess.

Brainchild of principal, Dr Rabi Narayan Kar, University Chef 2017, in its second edition this year, saw students compete in a cutting and chopping round, a cold preparation round and a culinary quiz on the first day, while the second and final day had a master class by chef Jatin Khurana (of Masterchef fame), and a finale round in which chefs had to whip up a three-course meal — starters, main course and dessert.

“When I was first invited for the competition, I did not really expect an event of such a scale and was really impressed when I got here. Each team



showed us what real love and passion for food is like and I was happy to see such young and enthusiastic chefs,” said Khurana, who was also a jury member, alongside chefs Mukesh Kumar, Veeta Singh and Nita Mehta.

A total of 12 teams qualified for Day Two, and those from Vivekanand College, Laxmi Bai College, Kirori Mal College, Deen Dayal Upadhyay College, Aurobindo College, Shyam Lal College (morning & evening), and Institute of Hotel Management won praises for a great show of skill, creativity and team spirit.

Celebrity chef Nita Mehta, who was also the guest of honour, gave culinary tips to participants. Yatin and Niyamika from Shyam Lal College won the competition. Ruby and Shikha from Laxmibai College were a close second, and Tanika and Barkha from Deen Dayal Upadhyay College followed.