Culinary Art India 2025: A premier platform for culinary excellence

The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) is set to host the 17th Edition of the Culinary Art India (CAI) alongside the 39th Edition of the AAHAR International Fair from March 4-8, 2025, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Organised in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Hospitality First, this prestigious event promises an unparalleled platform for culinary innovation, creativity, and professional excellence.

“Culinary Art India is not just a competition—it is an opportunity for chefs to refine their skills, gain global exposure, and set new benchmarks in the industry. The event has consistently elevated culinary standards in India, and this year promises to be bigger and better,” said Chef Bharat, Vice President of ICF.

With 18 competition categories and over 600 participants expected, CAI 2025 will bring together senior and apprentice chefs from across India, competing on an internationally modelled stage. Their skills will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, certified by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS).

“We witness immense talent and creativity each year, and 2025 will be no different. With new categories and more participants, we aim to continue fostering the growth of the culinary arts in India. This event is not just a competition but a benchmark of excellence, uniting top culinary talents, industry experts, and hospitality brands under one roof,” stated Chef Davinder Kumar, President of ICF. 

CAI 2025 is designed to test a wide range of culinary techniques, focusing on sustainability, plant-based cuisine, and modern plating trends—reflecting the evolving landscape of the global culinary industry. “This event not only celebrates culinary excellence but also provides chefs an opportunity to benchmark their skills against international standards. We are excited to introduce new categories aligned with global trends, allowing chefs to push the boundaries of their creativity,” said Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of ICF.

The competition will feature three major segments:

1. Artistic Display

This segment will showcase chefs’ craftsmanship and creativity through three-tier wedding cakes, artistic pastry showpieces, bakery showpieces, and fruit and vegetable carving.

2. Cold Display

Focused on technical precision and plating skills, this category will include plated appetisers, petit fours or pralines, and a three-course dinner set menu—international, plated desserts, and authentic Indian regional cuisine.

3. Live Competition

Testing chefs’ speed and creativity in real-time challenges, this segment will feature a contemporary sushi platter, a two-course live cooking challenge to be completed in one-and-a-half hours, and a 45-minute rice dish competition, open to all.

Additionally, there will be a cooking challenge for students and apprentices that will include an Egg Benedict competition, Chocolate Mania, Cake Decorating, Mocktail Competition and Live Sandwich Making competition.

Culinary Art India 2025 will be a defining platform for chefs to push creative boundaries and set new standards of excellence in the culinary industry.