Top culinary students are preparing to compete once again to take out the top prize in the annual Nestlé Toque d’Or competition.

Making a welcome return to the competition floor will be Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) students who were unable to compete at last year’s event due to the earthquake. They will join competitors from 10 other culinary schools to compete for top honours at the prestigious event.

Teams of three students – two culinary and one restaurant service – are required to prepare six covers of a three-course meal within a set timeframe and deliver the dishes to attending guests.