Regional Culinary Talent Shines at NYCC East | IHM Kolkata & Bhubaneswar in Finale

Regional Culinary Talent Shines at NYCC East: IHM Kolkata & IHM Bhubaneswar Advance to Grand Finale in New Delhi

Kolkata, September 19, 2025 - India's vibrant culinary traditions took centre stage at the East Zone round of the National Young Chef Competition (NYCC), organized on 18th September at the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Kolkata.

The prestigious event was hosted by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), the Ministry of Tourism, and the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC).

Culinary Creativity on Display

The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from 11 leading hospitality institutes across the eastern region. Over two and a half hours, each team prepared a three-course Indian meal-starter, main course and dessert-reimagining traditional flavours with modern culinary techniques.

The live cook-off was judged by an eminent jury led by Chef Anil Grover, Certified WorldChefs Judge, along with culinary stalwarts Chef Abhiru Biswas, Chef Sandeep Kumar Pandey, Chef Kavitha Unni and Chef Debjeet Majumdar.

After an intense contest, IHM Kolkata and IHM Bhubaneswar emerged winners and secured their place in the Grand Finale scheduled for January 2026 in New Delhi. The ICFAI University, Sikkim was declared runner-up.

A Nationwide Culinary Movement

The maiden edition of NYCC spans six months, with zonal rounds being held across the country before the final showdown in the national capital. Earlier this year, the North Zone round in Chandigarh showcased similar talent and innovation.

Exclusively open to final-year hospitality students from government, private and stand-alone institutes, the NYCC seeks to highlight the diversity, depth, and techniques of Indian cuisine, while bridging the gap between education and the professional culinary industry.

Voices from the Jury and Organizers

Speaking about the competition, Chef Manjit Gill, President of IFCA, said:

"India's culinary traditions are vast and unique. It is heartening to see young chefs engaging with this heritage in fresh and innovative ways. The East Zone showcased exceptional creativity that reflects the future of our culinary landscape."

Ms. Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI, emphasized the long-term vision:

"With NYCC, our vision is not only to identify talent, but also to create a movement where education, industry and youth converge. The East Zone round at Kolkata reflects the strength of collaboration and the passion of students in preserving Indian gastronomy."

Strong Industry Support

The event drew strong support from industry leaders. Lee Kum Kee partnered as the Zonal Partner, while TATA Consumer Products, Nestlé Professional, Cremica, Venus Industries, Wagh Bakri Tea, McCain Foods, Welbilt India, Eastern India Culinary Association, Chefs Unlimited, and several professional forums supported as national partners.

Looking Ahead

With IHM Kolkata and IHM Bhubaneswar advancing to the Grand Finale, anticipation is building for the culinary face-off in New Delhi in January 2026. The winners will not only earn national recognition but also gain industry exposure, internships and career opportunities.

The NYCC marks a significant step towards nurturing the next generation of chefs who will carry forward the rich legacy of Indian gastronomy into a global future.

For more information, visit: PHDCCI National Chef Competition