'National Young Chef competition' to spotlight budding culinary talent

New Delhi, Jul 16 (PT) A new nationwide talent hunt, 'National Young Chef Competition' (NYCC), aims to discover aspiring chefs who can reinterpret India’s rich culinary heritage with a modern twist.

Organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the competition, which was officially introduced at a curtain-raiser event on Tuesday, will kick-off from August 6.

It is a flagship initiative designed to support and spotlight final-year hospitality students across India through a blend of competition, mentorship, and national recognition.

"While Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse and well-rounded, its representation in the international fine dining segment is still far too limited. This is an area where India must do better... Now is the time for students to challenge themselves, think beyond the textbook and become creative custodians of our culinary heritage.

"I am hopeful that this initiative by PHDCCI will gain momentum and emerge as a significant national platform for showcasing India’s young culinary talent,” said Suman Billa (IAS), Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, the chief guest on the occasion.

Held under the theme ‘Celebrating Indian Culinary Heritage: Blending Tradition with Innovation’, the competition will be conducted through four zonal rounds across the country, culminating in a grand finale in January 2026 at IHM Pusa, New Delhi.

The zonal rounds will commence on August 6 at AIHM Chandigarh for the North zone, followed by the East Zone event on September 18 at IIHM Kolkata. The West zone round is slated for November at IIHM Mumbai, with the exact date yet to be announced, while the South zone round will take place on December 18 at IIHM Kovalam.

“This competition is not just about finding the best young chefs, it is about preserving India’s culinary identity and passing it forward. In a world rapidly moving toward homogenized food culture, NYCC is a celebration of India’s rich, regional diversity and a much-needed return to roots with modern flair," said renowned chef Manjit Gill, who is also the president of Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA).

Besides cash prizes, certificates and trophies, the winners of the NYCC will also receive career opportunities, internships and for a direct entry to the international chef competition, 'Grand Champion'. A special award will also be presented for the ‘best sustainable dish’, promoting eco-conscious culinary innovation.

In addition to the student competition, PHDCCI also announced career-sensitization workshops for Class 11 and 12 students, to be held alongside each zonal round. The workshops are designed to expose school students to real-world hospitality careers and build early awareness. PTI MG RB RB