India’s top chefs shine at Culinary Art India 2025

The 17th edition of Culinary Art India 2025 wrapped up in grand style at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, leaving a lasting impression on India's thriving culinary industry. Organised by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) in association with India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Hospitality First, the event was held alongside the 39th AAHAR International Fair, serving as a prestigious stage for professional chefs to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship.

Over the course of five exhilarating days, the event solidified its reputation as India’s premier culinary competition, showcasing the perfect harmony between tradition and innovation. From awe-inspiring edible art to masterful live cooking, the competition was a true testament to the evolution of Indian gastronomy.

With 18 categories of competition, the event saw India’s most talented chefs bring their A-game, crafting stunning dishes and edible masterpieces. From elegant plated appetisers to elaborate artistic showpieces, the level of skill on display was truly exceptional.

Here are some of the standout winners who stole the show:

• Artistic Pastry Showpiece: Sanjeev Sagarwal and Praniti Jain
  
  
• Three-Course Set Dinner Menu: Balmukund and Sanskriti Chhabra
  
  
• Plated Appetisers: Abdul Peer Mohammed, Dibyendu Rana, Sanyam Kumar, Kishan Gupta, Harish Singh Danu, Lucky Pal
  
  
• Artistic Vegetable & Fruit Carving: G Logetha, Arjun L.R., and Sana Begum
  
  
• Live Cooking Mocktails: Saanchi Pareek, Himanshu Sharma, Vaaman Mehta, Virein Maluja, Dhruv Jha, Ishaan Kaushal, Mohd Ali, Tushar Joshi, Dhanush Devarasetti
  
  
• Egg Benedict: Dahmeet Singh, Manomay Chandratre, Grav, Ravindra Singh Kanyal, Khushi Arora, Prem Kumar R
  
  
• Live Sandwich: Aniket Kumar
  
  
• Live Cooking Student/Apprentice: Nandini Gupta
  
  
• Artistic Bakery Showpiece: Gaurav Singh Rawat and Sajid
  
  
• Petit Fours & Pralines: Amar Singh Bisht
  
  
• Plated Desserts: Nikhil Dahiya, Saaisha Verma, Yug Kamlesh Prajapati
  
  
• Dress the Cake: Yashita Wasson and Susheel Kumar
  
  
• Authentic Indian Thali: Sandeep Singh Mahar

Ensuring the highest standards of excellence, a distinguished jury panel, certified by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), meticulously evaluated every dish. The panel was chaired by Malaysian culinary legend Billy Lee Chan Hoong, alongside expert chefs like Chef Sireesh Saxena and Chef Arvind Rai, who played key roles in organising the competitions.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Chef Davinder Kumar, President of ICF, stated, "Culinary Art India 2025 has once again demonstrated the immense talent within India’s culinary industry. The level of innovation and skill showcased by the participants is truly commendable. This platform not only recognises their efforts but also nurtures the next generation of chefs who will take Indian cuisine to global heights.”

Beyond the competition, the event featured exclusive Live Chef Masterclasses, where attendees got up close with some of the industry’s finest chefs. Renowned names like Chef Sehaj, Chef Dhawal, Chef Pramod, Chef Vaibhav Bhargava, Chef Guntas Sethi, Chef Vaibhav Soni, Chef Gautam Chaudhry, Chef Balendra, Chef Domenico, Chef Divij Agrawal, Chef Pankaj, Chef Nishant Choubey, Chef Sanjeb Ghatak, Chef Boopesh Pichaimani, Chef Saby, Chef Anirudh Sethi, Chef Ashish Bhasin, Chef Vinod Kumar Rathore, and Chef Vinod Badoni shared their expertise on modern culinary trends, innovative techniques, and global gastronomy.

Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of ICF, added, “This year’s competition highlighted the dynamic evolution of the culinary industry. The passion, dedication, and artistry displayed by the chefs over the past five days reaffirm that India’s culinary heritage is in excellent hands.”

Culinary Art India 2025 was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of culinary excellence, a platform where innovation met tradition, and a space where young chefs found inspiration to push their creative limits.

Summing up the event’s impact, Chef Bharat Alagh, Vice President of ICF remarked, “Each edition of Culinary Art India sets new standards of excellence, and this year was no exception. The meticulous craftsmanship and the spirit of healthy competition showcased here prove that India’s culinary industry is thriving. The winners have not just earned accolades but have also set an example for the future of Indian gastronomy."

As the curtains close on Culinary Art India 2025, the event leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, innovation, and excellence. With each edition, it continues to redefine the culinary landscape, empowering chefs to take Indian cuisine to unprecedented heights.