Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU), recognized for its commitment to shaping young minds through top-notch education, recently hosted the launch of the highly acclaimed Young Chef Young Waiter (YCYW) 2024 event in Mumbai. This marks the inaugural edition of the competition in India, which has been a source of encouragement and inspiration for the global hospitality community for more than four decades. Originating in the UK in 1979 through a collaboration with UK Hospitality and the Restaurant Association, the competition was established to promote hospitality as a preferred career path. With the support of 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". 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, added Sean Valentine, Managing Director, World Young Chef Young Waiter.

The alignment of principles between the university and the Young Chef, Young Waiter competition is remarkable. Both entities prioritize qualities such as creativity, innovative thinking, and a proactive approach, aiming to foster talent and inspire young individuals to explore careers in culinary arts and hospitality. The competition is designed to facilitate the professional development of aspiring student chefs and service trainees by challenging their abilities in high-pressure situations and providing valuable learning experiences through interactions with industry experts worldwide.

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".

Renowned chefs Mario Perara and Cyrus Todiwala will serve as the judges for the competition. The evaluation process will commence with an initial screening of applications, leading to the India Final. The finalists from this stage will then proceed to compete 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.