Jess Takes the Culinary Challenge at Italian Competition 2026
In mid-April, Level 2 Food and Hospitality student Jess, travelled to Padua and Venice with her tutors, Nathan and Deborah, to take part in the prestigious Unox CombiGuru competition. Competing against eight other colleges from across the UK, Jess was given just three hours to prepare both a main course and a dessert.
To make the challenge even more demanding, Jess was required to incorporate two mystery ingredients into her dishes, testing both her creativity and her ability to work under pressure. She did an outstanding job representing both herself and the college, showing confidence, professionalism, and strong technical skills throughout the competition.
The Unox CombiGuru competition offers young chefs the opportunity to enhance their culinary skills in a unique and exciting learning environment. The journey began with an interactive app, where students completed a series of culinary tasks and challenges to earn points. The student with the highest score won the incredible opportunity to travel to Italy to visit Unox headquarters and compete against other college students across the UK. The winner also had the chance to explore Venice and the surrounding area, experiencing new foods, cultures, and unique dining experiences.
Jess said: “I loved it. I was quite stressed for two weeks before the trip because I had to prepare and practise the food so I could get it right on the day. However, the kitchen is my second home, and when I’m in my environment, I got to relax and be myself. The judges commented on how calm I seemed.”
She continued: “Even though I didn’t win, I feel like it’s a great stepping stone to the future. I’d like to say it can be really nerve-wracking, but I got really good feedback and some really high points for both my main chicken terrine dish and my dessert.”
Jess achieved the highest score for her main course and was awarded best-tasting dessert—an incredible accomplishment against such strong competition from students much older than her. Her performance is a real reflection of her dedication and passion for catering.
During their time in Venice, Jess and her tutors also had the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the local experience. Whilst the hotel and competition were actually in Padua, they took some time to explore the city, sample authentic local food, and embrace the rich culture that Venice has to offer.
A particular highlight of the trip was taking part in a traditional Venetian cooking lesson, where they learned new techniques and gained insight into regional dishes. The experience not only enhanced Jess’s skills in the kitchen but also broadened her understanding of international cuisine, making the trip both highly educational and truly unforgettable.
Jess’s success in the competition highlights her talent, professionalism, and resilience. Opportunities like this show how the college helps students to develop their skills on an international stage, giving students valuable real-world experience and the confidence to excel in their careers.
