Young Chef India 2025 National Culinary Competition | Young Chef Olympiad 2026
Join Young Chef India 2025, the national selection to find India’s best young chefs for the Young Chef Olympiad 2026. Open to final-year hospitality students with no participation fee
Hcp Bureau 
Young Chef India 2025 Kicks Off National Selection for Young Chef Olympiad 2026
The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London, has launched Young Chef India 2025, the national selection competition for the upcoming Young Chef Olympiad 2026. This global culinary contest is the world’s largest student chef competition, drawing participants from over 70 countries.
A Prestigious Platform for Young Culinary Talent
Since its inception in 2015, the Young Chef Olympiad has become a landmark event celebrating global gastronomy and cultural exchange. Final-year hospitality students from across India now have the opportunity to showcase their skills and represent India on this grand international stage.
Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of IIHM, said, “The Young Chef Olympiad is more than just a competition — it is a platform for talent, diplomacy, and learning. Young Chef India 2025 offers students the chance to carry the pride of India to over 70 nations at YCO 2026.”
Competition Structure and Key Dates
Preliminary Round
Hospitality institutes nominate their best final-year student chefs.
Qualifier Round
Shortlisted candidates compete at IIHM campuses in Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune.
National Final
The top eight chefs (two from each city) compete in Kolkata for the honor to represent India at the global Olympiad.
The Young Chef Olympiad 2026 itself will be held across six Indian cities from February 1 to 6, culminating in a grand finale in Kolkata.
Open and Inclusive Participation
True to IIHM’s commitment to accessibility, there is no participation fee for Young Chef India 2025. The selection rounds will be held between late September and mid-November 2025, paving the way for students to step confidently onto the world culinary stage.
