PHDCCI in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), launches National Young Chef Competition (NYCC). NYCC’s grand curtain raiser event was held in New Delhi on 15 July and it was headed by Suman Billa (IAS), Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
While addressing he gathering at the event, Billa stated, “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.”
Echoing the similar sentiments, 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.”
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, Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, Prof. Kamal Kant Pant, Principal, IHM Pusa and Amarjit Singh Ahuja, Director – Procurement, Le Meridien New Delhi.
Elaborating further on the competition, 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.”
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 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.
