For Morrison Living, dining is about more than nourishment. It’s about creating moments of comfort, connection and enjoyment through food prepared with genuine care.
These values took centre stage at the Hot Plate 2026 National Finale, hosted by Compass Group Australia. The event brought chefs, clients and industry leaders together to celebrate culinary creativity and the stories behind each dish.
Rather than following a traditional competition format, the finale was transformed into an open street-food market. Guests could meet the finalists, discover the inspiration behind their concepts and experience the energy of the competition up close.
Himalayan Comfort Food Takes Centre Stage
Representing Morrison Living, Sandesh Pandey presented Momo Peak: Himalayan Comfort Food.
Sandesh’s concept celebrated the warmth of Himalayan cooking and the power of comforting, honest food to bring people together. His thoughtful approach, technical skill and heartfelt service reflected the care that goes into creating meaningful dining experiences for senior living communities.
Reaching the national finale was an achievement to be proud of, and Sandesh Pandey represented Morrison Living with skill, warmth and passion.
Sharing Stories Through Food
For Morrison Living National Executive Chef Aman Marwah, the competition gave chefs an opportunity to draw inspiration from their personal experiences and culinary traditions.
“Often, culinary competitions are fairly standard: you cook a recipe, it is judged and a basic prize or certificate is awarded. But this competition felt different.
“It encouraged our chefs and cooks to look beyond the usual format and reconnect with their own stories, traditions and heritage. Rather than trying to create something overly elaborate, I encouraged them to go back to their roots, to draw inspiration from the food they grew up with and the experiences that shaped them.”
Aman Marwah | National Executive Chef
The open market format gave the finalists an opportunity to share those stories directly with guests, bringing the people and inspiration behind each dish into the experience.
Celebrating Culinary Talent
Our warmest congratulations go to Sandesh Pandey and every chef who participated in the national finale.
The evening’s podium winners were:
- First place: Faith Gaspar, ESS
- Second place: Tuan Tran, Levy
- Third place: Maria Cirera, Chartwells
Bringing Inspiration Back to our Communities
Although the competition has concluded, its impact continues.
Sandesh Pandey’s achievement highlights the culinary talent within Morrison Living and the value of giving chefs opportunities to share their ideas, challenge themselves and represent their teams on a national stage.
It also reflects the care behind senior living dining. Every dish is an opportunity to create enjoyment, encourage connection and enrich the daily life of a community.
Congratulations, Sandesh Pandey, on bringing Momo Peak: Himalayan Comfort Food to the Hot Plate national finale. We’re proud to have had you represent Morrison Living with such skill, warmth and care.
To our chefs and cooks across Morrison Living, let this year’s event inspire you. Start thinking about the dishes and stories you could bring to Hot Plate 2027.
What will you bring to the table?
