Faiza Qureshi and Rianna Siddique named top young chefs

Faiza Qureshi, Young Master Chef, presented prizes by Judges Brian Yates and Sam Everett at Hopwood Hall College's Young Master Chef and Master Baker competition

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Faiza Qureshi was crowned Young Master Chef and Rianna Siddique Young Master Baker after budding young bakers and chefs from across the borough competed to win the titles at Hopwood Hall College last week.

The competition was open to school children from years 7 to 11.

Faiza attends Falinge Park School in Rochdale; her winning two course menu consisted of breaded chicken patties served with a sesame and soy dip for starter followed by Asian styled chicken Chinese rice which was beautifully garnished and presented. Faiza said she loves experimenting with different ingredients and techniques and is a fan of Gordon Ramsey; she would like to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Rianna Siddique attends Oulder Hill; her winning ‘bakes’ consisted of lemon cupcakes iced with chocolate and a fruit flan filled with strawberries, kiwi, and raspberry. Rianna said she loves to experiment with a range of tastes and flavours demonstrated in the execution of her winning dishes, which were well flavoured thoughtfully constructed.

The judges thought the standards of the young chefs this year were commendable, they said: “It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and determination of so many young people – they were all a credit to their schools and show real talent for producing good food under pressure.”

Sue Hadfield, Head of Hospitality, said “I would like to thank the staff, students and parents for supporting this event making it a great success for the second year running and we are looking forward to next year’s culinary delights." 

Faiza and Rianna won prizes of recipe books and their schools have the honour of displaying the cups for the next year.