The Annual In-House Ace Chef competition at Nalanda by Aditya Birla Education Trust took place on Friday, 7th November, 2025. Participation was mandatory, and students were divided into two categories: the junior team, comprising students from Vocational classes and standards four to seven, and the senior team, consisting of students from standards eight to twelve. Working in pairs, the students showcased their culinary talents by preparing a variety of delectable starters, desserts, sandwiches, salads and drinks.

The one-hour competition was judged on creativity, taste, presentation, teamwork and question answer session. Ms. Nadira Namavati, a hospitality professional with experience at The Taj Mahal and Sea Rock Hotels, has managed food ventures, authored recipe books, and conducted cookery classes. A dedicated remedial teacher at Nalanda for 15 years, she received the 2023 Excellence Award and continues mentoring students through culinary competitions and her upcoming cookery channel, evaluated the junior teams.

Zyraa Zend, a Culinary Arts graduate from HAFT, Sophia Polytechnic, began her career at Marai in Goa as a baker and later as an operations manager. Currently Brand Manager at Fortune Cookies India, she’s currently creating a food series with Goa Served, celebrating culinary stories and heritage. She judged the senior teams.

Junior Category Winners:

·        1st Place: Dheer Malani and Neev Jain (Masala Club Sandwich, Monaco Starter and Dessert)

·        2nd Place: Abdulla Siddique and Zayaan Hawa (Burger and Pulse Chocolate Mojito)

·        3rd Place: Asmi Raju and Parini Jain (Cheese Corn Tart and Mango Tang with cubes of Dragon fruit)

Senior Category Winners:

·        1st Place: Amulya Suryawanshi and Khamrunisa Shah (Falafel Rolls, Berry Chia Parfait and Glitterade)

·        2nd Place: Sanjeeda Virani and Yana Jain (Veg Stuffed Sandwich, Biscoff Cheesecake and Mashed Potato)

·        3rd Place: Ava Bharucha and Sarah Solomon (Cucumber Boat, Soft Bread Dessert)

Consolation Prize:

·        Zaid Kalania, Burhanuddin Sabuwala and Hamzah Thakur (Banana Chocolate Nutella Sandwich) 

The Judges inspired the students to follow their passions while emphasizing the importance of balancing academics with personal interests.

The competition brought forth an array of creative recipes, colourful presentations, and demonstrated the students\' strong teamwork. Mrs. Aarti Gandhi, Principal of Nalanda by ABET, congratulated the winners and extended her gratitude to the judges for their invaluable contributions.

The event concluded with a great sense of pride and accomplishment among all the participants.