IIHM’s Young Chef India 2025: Selections Open to Choose Student Chef

BANGALORE:

In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, there are few opportunities that combine prestige, learning, and international exposure in quite the same way as the Young Chef Olympiad (YCO). Conceived in 2015 by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London, this Olympiad has grown into the world’s largest culinary competition for student chefs. Every year, more than 70 countries participate, making it not just a contest of skill but a celebration of global gastronomy and cultural exchange.

Now, as the culinary world looks towards the 12th edition of YCO in February 2026, India has set the stage for its national selections through the eagerly awaited Young Chef India 2025 competition. For thousands of final-year hospitality students across the country, this is more than just another contest – it is a chance to represent India on the world’s biggest culinary stage.

Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman IIHM said; “The Young Chef Olympiad is not just a contest, it is a global stage for talent, diplomacy, and learning. Young Chef India gives our student chefs the chance to showcase their skills and carry the pride of India to 70 nations at YCO 2026.”

A Platform Born in India, Celebrated Worldwide

The Young Chef Olympiad is a matter of immense pride for the Indian hospitality fraternity. Born in India, it has become a global benchmark, showcasing how the country can not only nurture talent but also export a world-class culinary initiative to the rest of the world. The event is often described as a “melting pot of culinary diplomacy” where food becomes the language of friendship, competition, and innovation.

How the Competition Unfolds

The Young Chef India 2025 competition is structured in three rigorous rounds:

Preliminary Round: Hospitality institutions and universities across India are invited to nominate their brightest final-year student chefs.

Qualifier Round: Shortlisted candidates will compete at one of IIHM’s campuses in Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune.

National Final: The top eight chefs from the qualifiers (two from each city) will battle it out in Kolkata, with one winner earning the honour of representing India at YCO 2026.

The global Olympiad itself, scheduled from 1st to 6th February 2026, will unfold across six Indian cities before culminating in a spectacular grand finale in Kolkata.

No Barriers, Only Opportunities

In keeping with IIHM’s vision of accessibility and inclusivity, there is no participation fee for Young Chef India 2025. Registrations are now open until 26th September 2025 via www.youngchefindia.com/register-now. The selection process will take place between end-September and mid-November 2025, giving participants a clear pathway towards the global competition.

A Call to the Industry

IIHM invites hospitality and culinary institutions across the country to nominate their most promising final-year chefs. By participating, institutions not only showcase their talent at a national level but also contribute to strengthening India’s culinary reputation globally.

For students, this is a golden gateway to the global stage. It’s a chance to test their skills against the world’s best, gain invaluable exposure, and carry the Indian tricolour into the kitchens of the world.