IICA Students Gain First-Hand Industry Exposure at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

New Delhi: Reinforcing its position as one of India’s leading institutes for culinary and hospitality education, the International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA) organised an immersive industry exposure visit for its students to Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, offering practical insights into luxury hotel operations.

Students from the Culinary & Hospitality Management (January 2026 Batch) and Pastry & Hospitality Management (January 2026 Batch) participated in the visit, which commenced at 9:00 AM. Dressed in ceremonial chef coats, the students assembled at the staff entrance and were welcomed by Ms. Ishita Vashisht, HR Manager – Learning & Development. A formal orientation session was conducted by Ms. Yuvika Gogai along with Ms. Ishita Vashisht, introducing students to the hotel’s operational structure and professional standards.

The visit was supervised by Chef Prashant Kumar, Junior Sous Chef at IICA, who mentored the students throughout the tour. Students were taken through key operational areas, including the industrial kitchen infrastructure as well as the bakery and main kitchen departments, where they observed large-scale kitchen systems, workflow coordination, hygiene practices, and the efficient use of professional equipment in a luxury hospitality environment.

Commenting on the initiative,Chef Virender S. Datta, Founder, IICA, said, “Industry exposure plays a vital role in shaping a student’s professional outlook. When learners step into a working luxury hotel kitchen, they gain a clear understanding of discipline, systems, and standards that cannot be replicated in classrooms alone. Such experiences help prepare them for the realities of the hospitality profession.”

Arjun S. Datta, Managing Director & COO, IICA, added, “Our focus is to ensure that students are familiar with real-world hospitality environments from the early stages of their education. Direct interaction with hotel teams and live operations allows them to understand expectations, responsibilities, and career pathways within the industry, making their transition from institute to workplace far more seamless.”

This industry exposure visits underscores IICA’s emphasis on experiential learning and close industry integration, enabling students to translate academic training into practical understanding. Through regular engagement with leading hospitality brands, IICA continues to nurture skilled, confident, and industry-ready professionals, strengthening its standing as one of India’s foremost institutes for culinary and hospitality education.

IICA’s community of over 3,000 alumni is spread across leading culinary and hospitality establishments worldwide, many of whom hold senior positions in the industry, supported by the institute’s highly qualified and globally experienced faculty. Recognised by the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council of India, IICA’s global affiliations with City & Guilds (UK), the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS, Paris), and BSI Learning Australia, along with its academic collaboration with Kyoto Culinary Art College and Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College in Japan, have created strong pathways for students aspiring to international culinary careers. In recognition of its contribution to education and skill development, IICA was honoured with the FICCI Higher Education Excellence Award 2025 for Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship (Private) and was named Best Culinary Institute in India 2025 at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards.