GITAM raises awareness on nutrition at MasterChef 2.0 grand finale

VISAKHAPATNAM: A sizzling culinary showdown ignited the GITAM (Deemed to be University) campus as MasterChef 2.0 culminated at the GIMSR Cafe, the campus's popular food destination.

Beyond being a mere competition, this platform helped promote nutrition, wellness, and vital life skills, with a primary focus on cooking and kitchen management among the students.

The core objective of MasterChef 2.0 was to raise awareness about nutrition, well-being, and the significance of cultivating healthy eating habits within the vibrant GITAM student community.

The MasterChef competition featured four categories: Mocktail, Appetiser, Main Course, and Dessert, each dish meticulously being evaluated on several criteria including taste & flavour, presentation, hygiene, innovation and nutritional value.

The winner for MasterChef 2 was Team Omega (comprising Seema Firdose, Divya Patchigolla, Soumya Khatoon, Ria Panda, Nandini K. Nair), who prepared lip-smacking mocktails, starter, main course dishes and desserts.

Reflecting on their transformative experience, Seema Firdose shared, "MasterChef 2.0 took my learning beyond books. I got to learn a great deal about nutrition-based meals, well-being, healthy culinary practices, kitchen organization, food safety, and cost management. The training and feedback not only fueled my passion for cooking but also taught me the art of cooking with finesse and professionalism."

The competition was a true melting pot of talents, with spirited contestants participating from diverse academic backgrounds. The students were mentored under the expert guidance of GITAM Hospitality department’s seasoned Food & Beverage team, whose collective culinary experiences spanned renowned hotel brands.

Safety was a top priority throughout the event, with GITAM adhering to the stringent guidelines set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Comprehensive safety measures, including first-aid and fire safety arrangements, were put in place to guarantee a secure environment for all participants.

“Beyond celebrating culinary skills, MasterChef 2.0 contributed to sustainable cooking practices and enhanced the health and nutrition of its participants. Beyond perfecting recipes, contestants imbibed valuable lessons in reducing food wastage, sourcing ingredients locally, and embracing balanced nutrition—a wholesome journey that aligned seamlessly with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being),” said A. Rupeswara Rao, Corporate Executive Chef - Hospitality, GITAM (Deemed to be University).

Hemant Bagga, Director, Hospitality at GITAM (Deemed to be University), summed up the event's significance, stating, "MasterChef 2.0 was a symphony of flavours and knowledge, enriching the culinary landscape while fostering a healthier, more conscious approach to cooking. Participants left with not only cooking skills but also a deep understanding of the professional aspects of the culinary world."