Café Nevaeh is essentially an assessment task for the 20 Year 12 students who will open its doors to the public once a fortnight.

BHS hospitality teacher Ann Smith was controlling the kitchen’s chaos on Friday as the student group produced a six-dish selection of Asian staples for around 30 staff and invited guests.

On the menu were Shanghai dumplings, vegetarian spring rolls, salt and pepper squid, steamed chicken buns, money bags and an Asian green salad.

These were accompanied by an iced mint and green tea “mocktail” and followed by lychee ice-cream in a vanilla tuile.

The menu itself was researched and created by the students and will change each fortnight.

Ms Smith said the students will work in pairs to prepare each café sitting – Friday’s yum cha was produced and served under the watchful eye of “head chef” Chloe Dunning and “maître d” Natalie Matthews.

“They design the menu, delegate roles in the kitchen and have to stick to a budget – they run it as if it’s their own café,” Ms Smith said.

According to student Jarrah Kennedy, next on the menu is crusted chicken with a hazelnut and raspberry salad followed by a lemon meringue parfait.

If that sounds appetising, Café Nevaeh is open to the public and bookings, for only $10 a head, can be made by calling the BHS front office on 6492 1800.