The competition, designed for children aged 8 to 15, witnessed an overwhelming response with over 300 young participants showcasing their gastronomic talents. After a rigorous multi-round audition process, 20 semi-finalists were selected, leading to a thrilling grand finale featuring the top 10 culinary prodigies named Nirvee Ashish, Kaira Jain, Sai Preetham.D, Sumaiyah Shaikh, Nandakishan, Ahmed, Mayukh nagaraju, Himanya, Kushal.P, Gyaan S Kottari.
Under the watchful eyes of their parents and the esteemed judging panel with Mohammed Ashiq(Master Chef India), Archana BH, Varghese Thomas and Chef Nanda Kumar, the finalists crafted an impressive array of dishes, from inventive appetizers to decadent desserts. The event transformed into a cultural mosaic, with children presenting foods deeply rooted in diverse traditions, using unique ingredients to entice visitors and judges alike.
Sai Preetham impressed the judges with her exceptional skills and creativity, winning the coveted title, a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹50,000. Gyaan S Kottari and Mayukh Nagaraju were awarded the runners-up titles, receiving cash prizes of ₹25,000 and ₹10,000, respectively.
The competition aimed not just to identify talent but to focus the values of responsibility, independence, and healthy habits in children through the engaging art of cooking. Mohammed Ashiq, Master Chef India, the special jury for the event, shared his enthusiasm: "I’m super excited to be part of initiatives like this that bring out the hidden culinary talent in children. Mentoring young chefs and helping them find their voice is incredibly rewarding. This platform gives them essential tools to explore a future in the culinary industry."
According to Mr. Shereef K K, Regional Director of Lulu Mall Bengaluru, stated "Cooking is an integral part of life. This healthy competition allows children to showcase not just their culinary skills but also their boundless creativity. LuLu Funtura is proud to foster such holistic development."
This culinary extravaganza successfully blended learning, creativity, and family entertainment, reinforcing LuLu Funtura’s commitment to creating memorable and enriching experiences for the community.
