Tourism Ministry Launches Culinary Contest for Young Chefs

Swift Summary

• The Union Tourism Ministry is organizing the National Young Chef Competition (NYCC) to promote Indian cuisine, targeting final-year hospitality students nationwide.
• Spread over six months, zonal rounds are being held across India with a grand finale scheduled in January 2025 in New Delhi.
• The first zonal round took place in chandigarh, while the second occurred in Kolkata on September 18 at the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition.
• In Kolkata, participants from 11 hospitality institutes engaged in live cook-offs involving preparation of a three-course Indian meal within two-and-a-half hours.
• Winners for the East Zone: IHM Kolkata and IHM Bhubaneswar; runner-up: ICFAI University, Sikkim.
• Organized by multiple entities including PHDCCI, IFCA, THSC alongside the Tourism Ministry; focused on preserving fading Indian culinary traditions.
• Contest aims to connect young chefs with industry opportunities through internships and career prospects while celebrating innovation rooted in Indian traditions.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The National Young Chef competition demonstrates India’s commitment to nurturing its diverse culinary heritage amidst evolving global food trends. By challenging young chefs to reinterpret traditional flavors using modern techniques, it bridges cultural preservation with innovative expression. The inclusion of final-year hospitality students ensures practical exposure tied closely to professional aspirations while fostering national collaboration across various institutions.

As India’s tourism continues expanding globally, this initiative could serve as a strategic tool for cultural diplomacy-highlighting india’s food diversity as both art and identity. additionally, collaboration between government institutions like the Tourism Ministry and private organizations strengthens public-private partnerships vital for skill advancement within specialized sectors like hospitality.Read more: Published – September 20, 2025