India's Culinary masters showcased their skills for Chef Awards 2023

New Delhi: To commemorate International Chef's Day and acknowledge the exceptional skills of talented chefs, the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) orchestrated a culinary competition as part of the 20th Annual Chef Awards. Over 150 chefs hailing from different regions of India enthusiastically participated in this four-day event, engaging in 11 distinct categories. The winners of this culinary contest will receive accolades during the Grand Chef Awards 2023 ceremony, slated for October 14, 2023, at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi.

On the inaugural day of the culinary contest, two categories took centre stage: Master Chef Baker and Master Chef International Confectionery. The subsequent day featured chefs competing in three categories: Master Chef International Cuisine, MasterChef Oriental Cuisine, and Master Chef Kebabs. Day three witnessed chefs participating in two categories: Master Chef North Indian Cuisine and Master Chef Indian Sweets. Finally, the fourth day saw chefs vying for supremacy in three categories: Master Chef South, East, and West Cuisine, Master Chef Butcher, and Master Chef Fruit & Vegetable Carving.

"For two decades, the Annual Chef Awards have celebrated International Chef's Day by acknowledging chefs as artists. These awards offer a professional platform for chefs to showcase, refine, and exhibit their culinary prowess, elevating Indian culinary art to international standards. This competition guarantees to be a valuable experience, fostering the growth and potential of all participating chefs in the industry."

Chef Davinder Kumar, the President of the Indian Culinary Forum

The first day of the competition unfolded at the Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts in Gurugram, while the ensuing three days unfolded at the Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Delhi. Participants astounded the judges by crafting and presenting delectable dishes in captivating forms, with the competitions being assessed by a distinguished panel of WACS-certified jury members. Esteemed Chef Vijaya Baskaran chaired this year's competitions, assisted by Chef Rajeev Chopra, who served as the organizing secretary.

"The objective of the Chef Awards is to acknowledge, celebrate, and encourage culinary excellence within the fraternity of chefs and inspire aspiring individuals to join the industry. Beyond being a competitive platform, this event enables chefs to stay abreast of modern techniques and practices employed in kitchens worldwide."

Chef Vivek Saggar, the General Secretary of the Indian Culinary Forum

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.

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