PHDCCI launches National Young Chef Competition with grand Curtain Raiser in New Delhi
July 15, 2025:
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to find truly authentic local cuisine even in the cities where it was originated. Our culinary traditions built over decades through cultural memory, regional technique and generational knowledge are slowly fading. It is imperative that we not only preserve, but also reinforce these traditions through structured platforms and active participation,” said Mr. Suman Billa (IAS), Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, who was the Chief Guest at the Curtain Raiser Press Conference of PHDCCI National Young Chef Competition held today at PHD House, New Delhi.
He further emphasized the need for greater Indian presence in global fine dining. “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. We must build a culture of innovation and instill in young chefs the confidence to create dishes that exceed customer expectations. 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,” he added.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA); and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), NYCC is a flagship initiative aimed at nurturing final-year hospitality students across India through competition, mentorship and national recognition.
Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair – Tourism Committee, PHDCCI, said, “We believe NYCC is a movement. It brings together education, industry and youth at a national level, creating aspirational pathways for students and encouraging pride in Indian gastronomy. We are grateful for the tremendous support received from our partners and stakeholders.”
Dr. Chef Manjit Gill, President, IFCA, said, “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.”
The event also saw the presence of NYCC Steering Committee Members including Chef Sudhir Sibal, Founder Member, IFCA; Chef Anil Grover, Certified World Chefs Judge; Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council; Prof. Kamal Kant Pant, Principal, IHM Pusa; and Mr. Amarjit Singh Ahuja, Director – Procurement, Le Meridien New Delhi.
A detailed presentation outlining the competition format and national roadmap was delivered by Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI.
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.
Zonal Round Schedule:
· North Zone – 6 August 2025, AIHM Chandigarh
· East Zone – 18 September 2025, IHM Kolkata
· West Zone – November 2025, IHM Mumbai
· South Zone – 18 December 2025, IHM Kovalam
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. These workshops are designed to expose school students to real-world hospitality careers and build early awareness at a time when hospitality institutes across India are facing a decline in enrolment.
NYCC is supported by a strong consortium of leading brands and institutions including Venus Industries Ltd; Nestle Professional; Cremica Food Industries Ltd.; Hospitality & Kitchen Solutions (HAKS); Wagh Bakri Tea Group; McCain Foods; Mann Fleet Partners; Purchasing Professional Forum – India (PPFI); and Hospitality Purchasing Managers Forum (HPMF). The event was supported by PHDCCI Annual Corporate Partners, KLJ Resources Ltd; Mankind Pharma; KEI Industries Ltd; MMG Group; Gigleaz Private Ltd; Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals Pvt Ltd; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; Eazy ERP Technologies Pvt Ltd; Singhi Advisors & Financial Services LLP; R. L. Steel Pvt Ltd; Blossom Kocchar; Hindustan Tin Works Ltd; Hindustan Tin Works Ltd; Ajit Industries Ltd; Apeejay Stya Group; Oswal Greentech Limited; Speciality Merchandising Pvt Ltd; Shivtek Spechemi Industries Ltd; Speciality Merchandising Pvt Ltd.
The winners of the NYCC will receive not only cash prizes, certificates and trophies, but also career opportunities, internships and for the Grand Champion, an entry to an international chef competition. A special award will also be presented for the ‘Best Sustainable Dish’, promoting eco-conscious culinary innovation.
With participation from over 130 hospitality institutions and support from academia, industry and government, NYCC is poised to become a landmark platform for talent discovery, regional pride and national integration in India’s evolving hospitality landscape.