KANE PAYASAM COMPETITION 2026

Rules & Regulations

Welcome to the KANE Payasam Competition! This competition celebrates the rich tradition and delicious flavors of payasam while providing participants with an opportunity to share and sell their creations with event attendees. 

Competition Schedule 

Activity 

Time 

Contestant Arrival & Setup 

11:30 AM 

Setup Completion Deadline 

11:55 AM 

Judging Begins 

12:00 PM 

Sales to Guests (Optional) 

Following completion of judging 

 

Eligibility 

  • The competition is open to all registered participants. 
  • Each participant may enter one homemade payasam. 
  • The payasam must be prepared by the contestant and not purchased from a commercial establishment. 
  • Each contestant must bring a minimum of 1 liter of payasam for participation in the competition. 

 

Food Safety & Hygiene Requirements 

To ensure the health and safety of all participants and guests: 

  • All payasam must be prepared in a clean, sanitary, and food-safe environment. 
  • Participants must follow proper food handling and storage practices during preparation, transportation, and serving. 
  • Fresh ingredients must be used. 
  • Organizers reserve the right to disqualify any entry deemed unsafe for consumption. 
  • Contestants are fully responsible for the quality and safety of their food preparation. 
  • Payasam may be served hot, warm or chilled. Contestants are responsible for maintaining the desired serving temperature.  Electricity or heating equipment will not be provided by KANE.
  • Contestants are responsible for cleaning their serving area and disposing of waste before leaving the venue.
     

Display Requirements 

Each contestant must provide an A4-size printed display sheet to be placed next to their entry. The display sheet must include: 

  1. Name of the Payasam 

Clearly identify the name of the dish. 

  1. Ingredients List 

Provide a complete list of ingredients used in the preparation. 

  1. Allergy Information 

Clearly identify any common allergens, including but not limited to: 

      • Milk/Dairy 
      • Nuts (Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios, etc.) 
      • Coconut 
      • Gluten/Wheat 
      • Soy 
      • Other known allergens 

Example: 

Allergens: Milk, Cashews, Gluten/Wheat 

The display information should be easy to read and visible to both judges and guests. 

Setup Requirements 

  • Contestants must arrive by 11:30 AM for setup. 
  • All entries must be fully prepared and displayed by 11:55 AM. 
  • Each contestant will be provided with one display space/table.
  • Contestants are responsible for bringing any serving utensils, display materials, and equipment required. 
  • Late arrivals may be disqualified at the discretion of the organizers. 

 

Judging Process 

  • Judging is expected to begin at 12:00 PM. 
  • Contestants must be present during judging. 
  • Each contestant will be given an opportunity to: 
  • Introduce their payasam. 
  • Explain the inspiration, ingredients, and preparation approach. 
  • Answer any questions from the judges. 

The judges' decisions are final. 

 

Judging Criteria (100 Points Total) 

Criteria 

Description 

Points 

Taste & Flavor 

Overall taste, balance of sweetness, richness, aroma and flavor profile 

40 

Texture & Consistency 

Appropriate thickness, smoothness, and mouthfeel 

15 

Presentation & Appearance 

Visual appeal and overall presentation 

15 

Authenticity & Traditional Appeal 

Reflection of traditional payasam characteristics

15 

Creativity & Originality 

Unique ingredients, preparation style, or presentation 

15 

Total 

 

100 

 

Payasam Sales to Guests 

Following judging, contestants may sell their payasam to event attendees. 

Participants intending to sell must bring their own: 

  • Serving cups or containers 
  • Spoons, Napkins 
  • Packaging materials 
  • Any additional serving supplies 

Contestants are responsible for: 

  • Managing their own sales. Contestants are free to determine their own selling price.
  • Maintaining cleanliness at their station 
  • Ensuring safe serving practices throughout the event 

 

General Rules 

  • Contestants must maintain a clean and organized serving area throughout the event. 
  • Respectful and sportsmanlike conduct is expected at all times. 
  • Organizers reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not comply with competition rules. 
  • Participation in the competition constitutes acceptance of these rules and the judges' decisions. 
  • By participating, contestants consent to photography and videography for KANE promotional purposes
  • KANE is not responsible for any loss, damage or theft of contestant’s personal belongings or equipment.

 Awards 

🏆 First Prize: $200 Cash Prize 

We encourage all participants to showcase their culinary talents, creativity, and passion for celebrating this beloved dessert with our community. 

Good luck and happy cooking! 🍮🏆