ICF celebrates culinary brilliance at 22nd Annual Chef Awards

The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) celebrated India’s culinary excellence at the 22nd Annual Chef Awards hosted at The Ashok, New Delhi. Hosted in honour of International Chefs Day, the awards honoured exceptional culinary professionals across 15 categories in the food and hospitality sector.

Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. It also witnessed a distinguished gathering of master chefs, hospitality leaders, academicians and industry icons.
 
This year’s ceremony recognised 17 culinary artists for their outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry. Among the top awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Chef Umesh Mattoo, the Jury Choice Award given to Chef Julia Carmen, the Golden Hat Award to Chef Sandeep Kalra (Air India), the Silver Hat Award to Chef Shailender Singh (Pride Hotel), and the distinguished Shri Anil Bhandari Memorial – Chef of the Year Award was conferred upon Chef Ankit Gaurav (Country Inn & Suites) and Chef Karan Mehta (Le Meridien).

The Masterchef Awards were decided through a rigorous four-day culinary competition involving over 150 chefs from across India at the Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) and the Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, New Delhi.

While Masterchef International Cuisine was awarded to Chef Jaskaran Singh of India Habitat Centre; Oriental Cuisine award was presented to Chef Timothy Lepcha, also from India Habitat Centre. Master Chef North Indian Cuisine was awarded to Chef Naman Sanjay Malhotra from Pride Plaza, Aerocity; East/West/South Indian Cuisine to Chef Abhishek Sengupta from Manipal University, Jaipur; Masterchef Kebab to Chef Nitin Kumar, India Habitat Centre; Indian Sweets to Chef Daman Prakash, The Ashok; International Confectionery to Chef Pawan from Marriott, Aerocity; Masterchef Baker to Chef Devender Yadav, Pullman & Novotel Hotel, Aerocity; Butcher to Chef Tara Subba, India Habitat Centre; Student Chef of the Year – Female to Chef Harpreet Kaur Malik, The Ashok; and Student Chef of the Year – Male to Shresth Agrawal of Vedatya Institute

Speaking about the celebration, Chef Davinder Kumar, President of ICF, said, “The Annual Chef Awards celebrate the relentless passion and innovation of chefs who continue to shape our nation’s gastronomic identity. Each year, the ICF platform becomes a reflection of how Indian cuisine blends tradition and technology to achieve global distinction.”

General Secretary Chef Vivek Saggar added, “Beyond recognition, the Chef Awards represent growth, learning and community. This year’s event highlighted not only extraordinary skill but also the growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation. ICF remains committed to nurturing talent, encouraging knowledge-sharing and supporting chefs who strive to redefine excellence in the kitchen.”