MelaChef

We’re inviting you to take part in our MelaChef : Masters of Spice Competition, where you’ll create your very own South Asian–inspired street food.

This is your chance to explore exciting, punchy, bold flavours from across the region. From tangy, spicy chaat to the crispy yet soft paratha roll, or your own modern fusion creation, we want to see your flavour, your style, and your imagination.

We’d like to see you prepare a dish that reflects your personality while drawing inspiration from the diverse culinary cultures of countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and beyond.

MelaChef is part of the Worcester Mela festival which sits within Local Voices, Creative Choices, a two-year programme that is developing the cultural life of Worcester with arts projects, festivals and new creative opportunities.

The competition is open to adults 18+ who are passionate home cooks with no professional cooking experience. Participants will present their dish to a panel of judges who will consider creativity, flavour, presentation, and how well your dish fits the South Asian street food theme.

The competition is made up of 3 rounds taking place on 23 June and 30 June at HOW College, Deansway, Worcester, and the final on Saturday 18 July 2026. All cooking will take place at HOW College, Deansway, Worcester.

To enter, please send a suggested recipe, including a description and why you have chosen this dish; pictures are welcome.

Please provide all contact details and confirm you are available for all three dates. Applicants must be over 18.

Please send your entry to our creative producer, Katy, by Friday 29^th May, and let your creativity shape the face of MelaChef Worcester!

Email: producer@worcestermela.org.uk