Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 25: Expert PU College, Valachil, in collaboration with Spices and Chefs, hosted the “EXPERT Master Chef Contest -2024” at the college's cultural centre. The event attracted 564 students to the preliminary round, with the final featuring 12 teams, each consisting of three students and a parent.

Participants were tasked with preparing a four-course meal — including a salad, starter, main course, and dessert — within 120 minutes. The dishes showcased regional flavors from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

The contest was inaugurated by Vathika K Pai, entrepreneur and proprietor of Vathika International Travels and Nirmala Travels, who set the stage by tempering spices (Tadka). In her opening remarks, Pai stated, “Culinary skill is an art which connects us to our rich heritage and culture. Cooking is a special talent; it requires both knowledge and practice.”

Dr Ushaprabha N Nayak, vice-chairperson, praised the contest's uniqueness in the context of a science college. “The 'Master Chef Contest' is a different concept for the Science College. The objective of the event is to propagate the significance and cultural roots of India through its multi-flavoured cuisine by creating a platform for the students to know about its rich culinary heritage and understand its importance in terms of taste, health, traditions, and knowledge,” she said.

Ankush N Nayak, director of Information Technology at Expert Group of Institutions, emphasised that “each cuisine reflects the culture of the different regions in India.”

Ustad Rafique Khan, trustee of the Expert Group of Institutions, extended his greetings to all participants for their involvement.

The judging panel featured Dr Vishwas K Pai A J from a Mangaluru hospital, Rahul Bhat, assistant professor at Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services, hotelier Subhash Praveen Ullal, Dr Rahul Kunnath, ENT head and neck surgeon at KMC and Wenlock Hospitals, Mangaluru, and Swathi Anand Shetty, teacher at Aloysius Higher Primary School.

Winners of the contest included:

• First Place: Barbecue Bubblies, with Sristi Agarwal (H1 batch), Vaishnavi Reddy (M1 batch), Ishanvi Rane (O1 batch), and Prithi Agarwal (parent from Ballari).
• First Runner-Up: Whisk Warriers, including Benisha Pramod (D1 batch), Deeksha J S (G1), Pragna A Honnal (S1 batch), and Sowmya Shree (parent from Tiptur).
• Second Runner-Up: Fry Frankies, with Mahima V, Sahithya M, Sonushree O N (G1 batch), and Hemashree (parent from Chikkaballapur).

Dr N K Vijayan Karipal, principal of Expert PU College, along with Gurudatta, coaching head, Rajesh E T from Spices and Chefs, and other faculty members, attended the event. The chief guest, judges, and participants were honoured with mementos presented by the vice-chairperson.

Dinesh Palliyel, director of Spices and Chefs, proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Dr Narayan Kudva, head of the Chemistry department, and Nishat Fathima from the same department, who also welcomed the gathering.