India’s Culinary Masters Face Off at ICF’s Pre-Event Competitions for the Grand Chef Awards 2025

Celebrate International Chefs Day with the Indian Culinary Forum's 22nd Annual Chef Awards, featuring 150 chefs competing in ten exciting categories.

08 Oct 2025 15:20 IST

New Update

In celebration of International Chefs Day, the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) organized an exhilarating series of culinary competitions as part of its 22nd Annual Chef Awards. Over 150 chefs from across the country participated in this four-day extravaganza, showcasing their mastery across ten distinct categories. The event brought together seasoned professionals and rising stars, filling the kitchens with creativity, innovation, and the unmistakable energy of India’s thriving culinary community.

The first day of the competition was held at the Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA), New Delhi, featuring the Master Chef Baker and Master Chef International Confectionery categories. Participants impressed the jury with their intricate craftsmanship, technical finesse, and artistic flair, transforming ingredients into edible works of art that reflected their individual culinary philosophies.

The next three days unfolded at the Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, where the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and enthusiasm. The first of these days featured Master Chef North Indian Cuisine, Master Chef Indian Sweets, and Master Chef Butcher; the second day showcased Master Chef Kebabs, Master Chef International Cuisine, and Master Chef South/East/West Cuisine; while the final day celebrated the Master Chef Oriental Cuisine and Student Chef of the Year contests. Each round pushed the chefs to innovate and perfect their presentation, combining traditional flavors with modern techniques.

The competitions were judged by an esteemed panel of WACS-certified jury members, chaired by Chef Mahesh Kumar Sharma, Vice President of Shiv Vilas Jaipur, with Chef Bharat Khemani serving as the organizing secretary. Their experience, mentorship, and fair evaluation ensured that every dish was judged on merit, creativity, and technical excellence.

Speaking about the initiative, Chef Davinder Kumar, President of the Indian Culinary Forum, said, “The Annual Chef Awards and its competitions represent the heart and soul of India’s culinary excellence. Each year, we see extraordinary innovation, dedication, and artistry from chefs who continue to redefine the boundaries of gastronomy. These competitions not only celebrate talent but also nurture the next generation of culinary leaders. The Indian Culinary Forum has always believed in providing chefs with a platform where learning meets recognition, and this year’s participation reflects that spirit beautifully.”

The winners of these competitions will be felicitated at the Grand Chef Awards 2025, scheduled for October 13, 2025, at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi. The awards night will be a grand celebration of culinary brilliance, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, food enthusiasts, and industry stalwarts to honor the best in the business.

Adding further, Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of the Indian Culinary Forum, said, “Our aim is to create an ecosystem where chefs are encouraged to explore their creativity, challenge their limits, and evolve constantly. Every participant is a winner in their own right, as these competitions are as much about growth and learning as they are about recognition. The passion, precision, and perseverance displayed by our chefs truly embody the essence of Indian cuisine — diverse, innovative, and deeply rooted in culture.”

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 art of India. The ICF acts as a bridge, a platform, and a catalyst for the growth and holistic development of the national community of chefs. The World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS) encompasses numerous professional chefs’ organizations worldwide, representing more than nine million professional chefs across 110 countries. The ICF embraces an international culinary perspective in the orchestration of its diverse competitions, seminars, and events. In a broader sense, the ICF seeks to encourage and inspire budding chefs through training and competition, elevate the global prestige of Indian cuisine, motivate Indian nationals to consider careers within the hospitality sector, champion Indian culinary traditions on the global stage, and nurture young chefs’ culinary skills through training, workshops, and competitions.