ICF Celebrates Culinary Brilliance at the 22nd Annual Chef Awards 2025 Ahead of International Chefs Day

New Delhi, October 14, 2025: The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) hosted a spectacular evening celebrating India’s culinary excellence at the 22nd Annual Chef Awards, held at The Ashok, New Delhi, in honour of International Chefs Day. The event witnessed a distinguished gathering of master chefs, hospitality leaders, academicians, and industry icons who came together to applaud the artistry, innovation, and commitment that define the Indian culinary fraternity.

Widely regarded as the ‘Oscars of the Indian Culinary Industry’, the Annual Chef Awards honoured exceptional culinary professionals across 15 prestigious categories, celebrating their remarkable contributions to the food and hospitality sector. The glittering ceremony was graced by Mrs. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Managing Director, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), as the Chief Guest, along with eminent personalities from the hospitality and culinary fraternity.

This year’s ceremony recognized 17 culinary artists for their outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry. The Top Awards, determined through nominations and selected by a distinguished grand jury, included the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Chef Umesh Mattoo, the Jury Choice Award to Chef Julia Carmen, the Golden Hat Award to Chef Sandeep Kalra (Air India), the Silver Hat Award to Chef Shailender Singh (Pride Hotel), and the distinguished Shri Anil Bhandari Memorial – Chef of the Year Award conferred upon Chef Ankit Gaurav (Country Inn & Suites) and Chef Karan Mehta (Le Meridien).

The 10 MasterChef Awards were decided through a rigorous four-day culinary competition involving over 150 chefs from across India at the Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) and the Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, New Delhi. From seasoned masters to promising new talents, the evening was a vibrant tribute to creativity, discipline, and innovation — celebrating chefs who continue to elevate India’s culinary reputation on the global stage.

Speaking about the celebration, Chef Davinder Kumar, President of the Indian Culinary Forum, said: “The Annual Chef Awards stand as a proud symbol of excellence and dedication within India’s culinary fraternity. Through these awards, we celebrate the relentless passion and innovation of chefs who continue to shape our nation’s gastronomic identity. Each year, the ICF platform becomes a reflection of how Indian cuisine blends tradition and technology to achieve global distinction.”

Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of the Indian Culinary Forum, added: “Beyond recognition, the Chef Awards represent growth, learning, and community. This year’s event highlighted not only extraordinary skill but also the growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation. ICF remains committed to nurturing talent, encouraging knowledge-sharing, and supporting chefs who strive to redefine excellence in the kitchen.”

The 22nd Annual Chef Awards 2025 once again reaffirmed the Indian Culinary Forum’s mission to recognize talent, foster knowledge exchange, and promote India’s culinary heritage on a global stage — celebrating chefs who continue to redefine excellence in the art of gastronomy. The event was supported by the Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi, as the Exclusive Hospitality Partners.

Winners of the 22nd Annual Chef Awards (MasterChef)

1. Master Chef International Cuisine: Jaskaran Singh, India Habitat Centre
2. Master Chef Oriental Cuisine: Timothy Lepcha, India Habitat Centre
3. Master Chef North Indian Cuisine: Naman Sanjay Mahorla, Pride Plaza, Aerocity
4. Master Chef East/West/South Indian Cuisine: Chef Abhishek Sengupta, Manipal University, Jaipur
5. Master Chef Kebab: Nitin Kumar, India Habitat Centre
6. Master Chef Indian Sweets: Daman Prakash, The Ashok Hotel
7. Master Chef International Confectionery: Pawan, Marriott, Aerocity
8. Master Chef Baker: Devender Yadav, Pullman & Novotel Hotel, Aerocity
9. Master Chef Butcher: Tara Subba, India Habitat Centre
10. Student Chef of the Year – Female: Harpreet Kaur Malik, The Ashok Hotel  -  Male: Shresth Agrawal, Vedatya Institute

Established in 1987 in New Delhi, the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) stands as India’s premier association of professional chefs, functioning as a non-profit organization exclusively committed to advancing the culinary arts of India. ICF acts as a bridge, a platform, and a catalyst for the holistic growth of the national community of chefs.

Affiliated with the World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS) — which represents more than nine million professional chefs across 110 countries — the ICF embraces a global culinary perspective through its competitions, seminars, and events. The Forum continues to inspire budding chefs through training and competitions, elevate the global prestige of Indian cuisine, motivate Indian nationals to pursue hospitality careers, champion Indian culinary traditions worldwide, and nurture young talent through continuous learning and mentorship.