Culinary Art India 2026 Returns with WACS Endorsement, Elevating India’s Premier Culinary Competition

Over 600 Chefs to Showcase Culinary Mastery at India’s Biggest Professional Culinary Challenge

 New Delhi: The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) has announced the 18th edition of Culinary Art India (CAI) 2026, scheduled to take place from 10th to 14th March 2026 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, alongside the 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair. This year marks a historic milestone for India’s culinary fraternity, as CAI 2026 is officially endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), aligning the competition with globally benchmarked culinary sport standards.

 With participation expected from over 600 professional chefs, apprentices and culinary students from across the country, CAI 2026 will serve as a national platform to demonstrate technical excellence, innovation, discipline and creativity in a structured competitive environment.

 The 18th professional Culinary Contest and Display Excellence Challenge is organised by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) in collaboration with India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Hospitality First, with technical guidance from ICF. Over nearly two decades, Culinary Art India has evolved into the country’s most credible and professionally respected culinary competition platform.

“Culinary Art India has always been a platform to elevate professional standards in our kitchens. With WACS endorsement this year, CAI 2026 places Indian chefs firmly on the global culinary sport map. It is our responsibility to nurture disciplined, skilled and confident professionals who can represent India with credibility and excellence worldwide.”

Chef Davinder Kumar, President, Indian Culinary Forum,

 The competition is open to professional chefs from hotels, restaurants, catering establishments, confectioneries, as well as culinary students and apprentices across India. Over 18 categories will be featured, including artistic pastry and bakery showpieces, 3-tier wedding cakes, fruit and vegetable carving, plated appetizers, petit fours, international three-course set menus, plated desserts, authentic Indian regional cuisine, contemporary sushi platters, live cooking competitions, millet-based dishes, chocolate artistry, apprentices’ categories, mocktails and sandwich making.

“CAI 2026 is not just a competition; it is a learning arena. These competitions will be judged by a distinguished panel of World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS)-certified jury members from India and abroad, with Chef Rick Stephen, a third-generation chef from Tasmania and the first Australian to be awarded the title of Certified Master Chef, serving as Chairperson of this year’s jury. Chef Sireesh Saxena and Chef Arvind Rai will oversee the competition as Organising Secretaries. Participants will be evaluated under a structured 100-point marking system aligned with global standards, assessing mise-en-place, professional technique, hygiene and food safety practices including HACCP compliance, innovation, creativity, presentation, texture, taste and overall execution, ensuring transparency, fairness and adherence to internationally recognised culinary competition protocols.”

Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary, Indian Culinary Forum,

“Culinary Art India has consistently encouraged chefs to move beyond routine kitchen operations and embrace structured competition. With global standards now formally aligned through WACS endorsement, CAI 2026 will further strengthen India’s position in the international culinary arena. We look forward to strong participation from across the country.”

Chef Bharat, Vice President, Indian Culinary Forum,

For students and young chefs, CAI 2026 offers exposure to international competition standards and assessment by globally aligned jurors, helping strengthen professional portfolios for placements and scholarships. For working and executive chefs, it serves as a benchmark beyond daily kitchen roles, enabling peer comparison at national and international levels while strengthening professional credentials.

As India’s culinary landscape continues to gain international recognition, the 18th Culinary Art India aims to further raise professional standards and reinforce the country’s commitment to excellence in culinary arts.

Event Details

Event:             18^th Culinary Art India 2026

Dates:             10th – 14th March 2026

Venue:           Pragati Maidan, New Delhi