IICA Brings Professional Culinary Learning into a Public Space with HomeStop Collaboration

• Over 100 shoppers participated in live sushi and salad sessions at HomeStop, Nexus Select Citywalk.

New Delhi, January 19, 2026: The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi—recognised as one of India’s premier institutes for globally benchmarked culinary education—successfully concluded its signature Sushi & Salad Masterclass, organised in collaboration with HomeStop, the premium home and lifestyle destination under Shoppers Stop. Held at Nexus Select Citywalk, Saket, the full-day event saw more than 100 participants across four interactive sessions, reaffirming IICA’s continued leadership in delivering accessible, high-quality, experiential culinary training.

Led by Chef Sumit Gupta, Executive Chef with over 22 years of international experience, and Chef Abhishek Tanwar, Senior CDP – Pan Asian, the masterclass offered a hands-on understanding of global sushi techniques and contemporary salad preparation. Participants engaged with a curated menu featuring Hosomaki Vegetable Pickle Roll, Uramaki Avocado & Asparagus Roll, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, and a chef’s seasonal salad, creating an engaging and approachable learning experience.

Speaking about the event, Chef Virender S. Datta, Founder of IICA, said: “This masterclass reflects our commitment to immersive, skill-based learning. Bringing such training into a vibrant public space encourages wider participation and strengthens our mission of making professional culinary education more accessible.”

The event formed a part of IICA’s continuing celebration of20 years of culinary and pastry excellence, marking another milestone in its journey of shaping India’s professional culinary landscape. For those looking to begin their own culinary or pâtisserie career, IICA’sJanuary admission cycle is currently open, offering an opportunity to train within its respected academic ecosystem.

Founded in 2005 by legendary Chef and hospitality industry veteran Virender S. Datta, with over five decades of global experience, IICA is among India’s earliest institutions to introduce internationally benchmarked culinary education. It combines structured kitchen training with globally recognised qualifications from City & Guilds (UK)and BSI Learning (Australia). Strengthening its global footprint, IICA has expanded through international collaborations, including a Memorandum of Understanding with Kyoto Culinary Art College and Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College, Japan, under the Taiwa Gakuen Educational Corporation. The partnership enables faculty and student exchange, joint curriculum development, and cross-cultural culinary pathways between India and Japan.