Aimed at giving a platform to aspiring chefs from various Higher Secondary Schools across Goa to showcase their culinary creativity, the final of the debut edition of the ‘Rockstar Chef Competition’ saw exciting creations like Azure Vanilla Cake, Roasted Pineapple Curry and Chicken Stroganoff with Steamed Parsley Rice emerge victorious.
Verna-based Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts (KCCA) and Kamaxi Skills recently organised the Rockstar Chef Competition, with 21 participants from 11 educational institutions gaining first-hand insight into the industry from professional chefs while simultaneously igniting their passion for the culinary industry.
Parixit Pai Fondekar, founder of KCCA and Kamaxi Skills, highlighted the competition’s significance: “At Kamaxi, we believe in nurturing the culinary talents of young individuals. Events like the Rockstar Chef Competition not only encourage creativity but also give students the chance to learn and grow under the guidance of industry professionals. We hope to continue inspiring and shaping the future chefs of Goa.”
Rishita Damaji from St. Francis Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Siolim, emerged as the winner with her Azure Vanilla Cake, followed by Paramjit Saha from Keshav Smruti Higher Secondary School, Verna, as the first runner-up with his Roasted Pineapple Curry and Shiphara Shaikh from Deep Vihar Higher Secondary School, Vasco, securing the second runner-up spot with her Chicken Stroganoff with Steamed Parsley Rice.
The competition, which comprised two phases across December 2024 and January 2025, featured two categories: ‘Hot Kitchen’ and ‘Bakery and Pastry’, where participants’ dishes were judged based on culinary technique, presentation, creativity and cleanliness. All participants received certificates, the semi-finalists received gift vouchers and the winners received trophies, certificates and gift vouchers.
The judging panel included renowned professionals like Chef Aditya Singh Bhadoria, Executive Chef at Club Mahindra; Chef Amit Chatterjee, Pastry Chef at Alila Diwa and Chef Patrick Albert, Maitre Cuisinier de France and Head Chef Faculty at KCCA.
