A young chef has cooked his way to international success.
Casian Burdusel, 17, from Romford, is studying for a diploma in culinary skills at New City College’s (NCC) Redbridge campus in Chadwell Heath.
He recently secured second place in the Rotary Young Chef of the Year 2026 competition and went on to win third place at the international CombiGuru final in Padova, Italy.
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Casian said: "It was an amazing experience. Getting to the national final and finishing second has given me a lot of confidence. It has made me want to keep pushing myself and aim for a career in professional kitchens after college."
He is now preparing for the WorldSkills UK regional heats in June as he chases another podium finish and a place in the nationals.
Casian trains at Rouge Restaurant on campus, and was praised by judges for his technical skills, creativity, and composure under pressure.
At the CombiGuru final in Italy, he was one of 11 top-performing students from across the UK.
Finalists had three hours to create dishes using secret ingredients revealed on the day—peas and sage.
Casian impressed the judges with a Mediterranean chicken dish and a French pastry dessert, earning him a bronze medal from a panel at The International School of Italian Cuisine. His achievement followed a strong performance at the Rotary National Young Chef of the Year final in Northwich, Cheshire.
With a menu featuring stuffed red mullet canoe and dark chocolate Chantilly mousse, he took second place in a competition that draws around 6,000 young entrants from across the UK each year.
Daniel Campos, senior curriculum manager for hospitality and catering at NCC Redbridge, said: "These competitions are so important for our students.
"Competing nationally and internationally exposes them to high-level standards, pressure, and professional expectations beyond the classroom. I am grateful that New City College continues to support us by investing the time and resources in these competitive challenges."
More details about hospitality and catering courses can be found on the New City College website.
