Top chefs compete at Culinary Art India 2025

The 17th edition of Culinary Art India 2025 began with a spectacular display of skill, creativity, and tradition at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in Delhi. Organised by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) in partnership with ITPO and Hospitality First, the event is running alongside the 39th edition of AAHAR- International Food and Hospitality Fair from March 4-8.

This year’s expanded competition features 18 categories and over 600 chefs, from seasoned professionals to aspiring talents, all eager to showcase their expertise. 

The opening day was a feast for the senses, with 100 participants competing in categories like three-tier wedding cakes, authentic Indian regional cuisine, contemporary sushi platters, live rice dishes, and live cooking.

The authentic Indian regional cuisine category celebrated diverse culinary traditions from across India. Chef Deepak Khariya, a Delhi-born chef with Rajasthani roots, impressed with a spread of mirchi vada, tokasi ki tikki, Rajputana ‘Mohan Maas’, dal baati churma, ghewar, and lilva ka halwa. Currently leading Paranda at Taj Surajkund, Khariya credited his grandmother for instilling in him the techniques of traditional Rajasthani cooking.

Meanwhile, in the contemporary sushi platter category, Chef Shelten Thapa wowed audiences with a stunning array of veg maki, tempura prawn sushi, nigiri sushi, and California rolls. Hailing from Nepal and raised in a family of Pan-Asian chefs, Thapa admitted that tempura sushi remains his personal favorite to craft.

Beyond the competition, Live Chef Masterclasses were a major attraction, drawing food enthusiasts eager to learn from India’s top culinary experts. Notable chefs like Sehaj, Dhawal, Pramod, Vaibhav Bhargava, and Guntas Sethi shared their techniques and insights into modern gastronomy.

Chef Davinder Kumar, President of the Indian Culinary Forum, called the event a “celebration of talent and passion”, providing young chefs with a platform to push creative boundaries.
With four more days of intense competition and masterclasses, Culinary Art India 2025 is set to elevate the country’s gastronomic scene to new heights.