CRC Hosts the Heat: ARTA National Chef of the Year Qualifiers Return 

Cambridge Regional College once again opened its kitchens to the best of the UK’s Asian culinary talent as it hosted the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) National Chef of the Year qualifiers. The event, held at CRC’s award-winning Park Restaurant, brought together chefs from across the country to compete for a coveted spot in the national finals. 

This year’s competition builds on the momentum of CRC’s specialist culinary upskilling programme, which launched in September last year in partnership with ARTA and ChefOnline. The initiative continues to support chefs in the Asian catering sector with cutting-edge techniques and industry-relevant training. 

Graham Taylor, Assistant Head of Service Industries & Commercial Ops at CRC, shared: 

“Hosting the ARTA qualifiers again this year is a proud moment for CRC, as it showcases the incredible talent and growth within the Asian culinary sector. We’ve seen a real shift in how chefs approach their craft, blending tradition with innovation.” 

The judges evaluated dishes on flavour, presentation, creativity and authenticity. The atmosphere was focused and energetic as chefs presented their signature dishes, each aiming to impress the judges and earn a place in the prestigious ARTA finals in London. 

For CRC students, the event was a learning opportunity. Many assisted behind the scenes, gaining invaluable experience and insight into professional competition cooking. 

As the judges completed their deliberations and the final dishes were served, 14 outstanding chefs were selected to advance to the next stage. These finalists will now head to the prestigious ARTA Award Ceremony in London this October. 

List of restaurants partaking in the competition include:

Rishis’ Slate & Grain, Wallington  

Spice Village, Kent 

Pipasha, Cambridge 

Cinnamon, North Weald Essex 

Alessi, Stoke on Trent 

Mowgli’s, Milton Keynes 

Jomidar Mahal, Ely 

Raj kitchen, Swansea 

Juroon Helsby, Frodsham  

Jal Pari, Reading