The launch event, entitled First Bite Preview, introduced the initiative to the community. In collaboration with a renowned international culinary consultant, Pau Yen, the Group has curated 20 exclusive dishes designed to redefine the dining experience at AISL Harrow Schools — authentically healthy, high-quality, diverse, and delicious.
Clare Chiu, Chief Operating Officer of AISL, shared the vision of the project and its pioneering approach during her interview: "In our pursuit of excellence, we fully recognise that nourishing both body and mind with wholesome food is essential to our students’ overall well-being and academic excellence—an endeavour that commands our utmost dedication and effort. As such, we are redefining the role of food beyond mere sustenance, establishing it as a cornerstone of growth, learning, and lifelong health. Our aspiration is to make nutritious, delicious meals a daily delight, nurturing a generation that values real nutrition and embraces healthier, more sustainable lifestyles for the future. "
Clare continued: “This project is about more than just food; it’s about fostering joy and connection at the table. It’s also about bringing the world to our students and supporting them in building life-long healthy eating habits. Through training and ongoing support, we will engage our family of schools in this exciting journey.
AISL Harrow is the first educational group to invest in projects of this kind. We are collaborating with a world-class chef to exclusively craft bespoke dishes tailored specifically for Harrow students. To ensure consistency and excellence, the chef has meticulously documented the entire culinary process, enabling us to produce comprehensive training videos. These resources empower our catering staff to observe, learn, and master the techniques—guaranteeing consistently high-quality dishes across all campuses. The First Bite Preview at Harrow Shanghai is just the beginning, and we eagerly anticipate the shared experiences that will inspire our students, staff, and parents alike, reflecting our dedication to excellence in every meal.
International Inspirations and Flavour
The new menu is co-created with the international culinary consultant Paul Yen, who brings 19 years of global experience to the project. Guided by the vision of this Food Project, he takes inspiration from a wide range of global cuisines, while using the finest locally sourced ingredients and raw materials delivered straight from farm to table. Each dish is a carefully crafted blend of quality, flavour, and nutrition. Without ever leaving the campus, pupils can explore the world through food, gaining a broader cultural perspective with every bite.
· East meets West: Maple-glazed miso tofu fettuccini combines Italian pasta and Japanese tradition with North American flair—balancing plant-based protein with natural seasoning.
· Nutrition meets craft: Oven-roasted Apple glazed duck with miso sweet potato mash preserves nutrients and makes the mouth tingle.
· A global tasting journey: Classics like Mexican chicken fajitas, Thai red curry with tofu and Black truffle mushroom risotto with halloumi cheese offer students a chance to explore international cuisines in their meals every day.
Quality and Health
The AISL Harrow Food Project is committed to using 100% whole foods, rich in essential nutrients: in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, promoting healthy growth in students. We have replaced refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey and fruits to help prevent obesity and other health issues, while enhancing students’ concentration. The menu also includes dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian and vegan options to cater for special dietary needs. Balanced daily meals feature lean protein and fresh produce, promoting healthy eating habits to last a lifetime.
All the new dishes are prepared according to six guiding principles:
· No MSG
· No artificial ingredients
· No deep frying
· No refined sugars
· No highly processed ingredients
· No low-quality seed oils
These standards ensure every meal is prepared with pupils’ health and wellbeing in mind.
From Farm to Fork: Excellence at Every Step
As the fourth AISL Harrow school in Asia, nearing its tenth birthday, Harrow Shanghai continues the Group’s mission to deliver Educational Excellence for Life and Leadership. True to this vision, the school places the utmost importance on food quality and safety, holding every detail to the highest standards.
· Daily kitchen inspections ensure safe and consistent operations
· Food sources and monthly menus are shared transparently with families
· Regular unannounced audits and monthly food committee meetings support ongoing review and improvement
· Staff receive regular training to maintain and elevate service standards
Holistic Education: Learning Beyond the Class
Over 80 guests—including parent representatives, student leaders, staff, and invited guests—attended the First Bite Preview event. Five featured dishes were served on eco-friendly tableware, accompanied by displays of ingredients and detailed nutritional breakdowns. Guests were invited to rate each dish based on taste, presentation, and nutritional value, offering valuable feedback to support the continued evolution of the AISL Harrow menu. For pupils, this was more than just a tasting session — it was an immersive lesson in food culture and healthy living.
“Food is part of our identity. Food is who we are, who we were and who we grew up with. Harrow’s education excellence isn’t just about academic achievement—it’s also about nurturing the pupil. Our food programme is an essential part of this.” said Mr Alex Reed, Head Master of Harrow Shanghai.
At AISL Harrow, education doesn’t stop at the classroom door — it continues at the dining table. With food as a universal language, the AISL Harrow Food Project brings a fresh perspective to education, where Excellence on the Plate is served every single day.
