FROM PASSION TO PLATE: INDIAN CULINARY FORUM CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE AT 22ND ANNUAL CHEF AWARDS: An exclusive media coverage by Senior Journalist Khatibah Rehmat.

New Delhi, October, 2025: The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) hosted a magnificent evening of celebration and recognition at The Ashok, New Delhi, to mark the 22nd Annual Chef Awards 2025, coinciding with International Chefs’ Day. The prestigious event brought together the crème de la crème of the hospitality and culinary world — from master chefs and academicians to hospitality leaders and food industry visionaries — for an unforgettable night of honouring India’s culinary brilliance.

India Habitat Centre bags four prestigious awards under the supervision of Corporate Chef Rajiv Malhotra, one amongst others is Masterchef Butcher Tara Subba.

THE OSCARS OF THE INDIAN CULINARY INDUSTRY:

Widely acclaimed as the “Oscars of the Indian Culinary Industry”, the Annual Chef Awards recognized 17 outstanding culinary professionals across 15 prestigious categories for their remarkable contributions to India’s vibrant hospitality sector. The grand ceremony was graced by Mrs. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Managing Director, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), as the Chief Guest, alongside eminent figures from the hospitality and food industries.

Chef Umesh Mattoo was honoured for the lifetime achievement award.

HONOURING THE ICONS OF INDIAN CUISINES:

Among the most coveted recognitions of the evening were:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Chef Umesh Mattoo.

Jury Choice Award – Chef Julia Carmen.

Golden Hat Award – Chef Sandeep Kalra (Air India)

Silver Hat Award – Chef Shailender Singh (Pride Hotel).

Shri Anil Bhandari Memorial – Chef of the Year Award – Chef Ankit Gaurav (Country Inn & Suites) and Chef Karan Mehta (Le Meridien).

The most prestigious Golden Hat Award went to Chef Sandeep Kalra whereas the Silver Hat was awarded to Chef Shailendra Singh.

10 MASTERCHEF AWARDS: A CULINARY SHOWDOWN:

The 10 MasterChef Awards were decided after a rigorous four-day competition among over 150 chefs from across India, hosted at the Institute of Bakery and Culinary Arts (IBCA) and the Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, New Delhi. The competition showcased India’s rich diversity in flavours, techniques and creativity — reaffirming the nation’s growing influence on the global culinary stage.

Chef Jaskaran Singh from India Habitat Centre bagged the Master Chef International Cuisine award, ICF 2025.

LIST OF MASTERCHEF WINNERS (2025):

Master Chef International Cuisine: Jaskaran Singh, India Habitat Centre.

Master Chef Oriental Cuisine: Timothy Lepcha, India Habitat Centre.

Master Chef North Indian Cuisine: Naman Sanjay Mahorla, Pride Plaza, Aerocity.

Master Chef East/West/South Indian Cuisine: Abhishek Sengupta, Manipal University, Jaipur.

Master Chef Kebab: Nitin Kumar, India Habitat Centre.

Master Chef Indian Sweets: Daman Prakash, The Ashok Hotel.

Master Chef International Confectionery: Pawan, Marriott, Aerocity.

Master Chef Baker: Devender Yadav, Pullman & Novotel, Aerocity.

Master Chef Butcher: Tara Subba, India Habitat Centre.

Student Chef of the Year: Female – Harpreet Kaur Malik (The Ashok Hotel), Male – Shresth Agrawal (Vedatya Institute).

(PICTURE–1) (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Chef Manoj Rai, Chef Vinod Bhati, Chef Lalit Mohan, Chef Vineet Manocha, Chef Mahesh Sharma and Chef Amol Shambharkar.

(PICTURE–2) (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Chef Arshi Naeem, Chef Vinod, Chef Amol Shambharkar, Chef Sabyasachi Gorai.

VOICES FROM THE CULINARY WORLD:

Speaking on the occasion, Chef Davinder Kumar, President of the Indian Culinary Forum, said:

“The Annual Chef Awards stand as a proud symbol of excellence and dedication within India’s culinary fraternity. Through these awards, we celebrate the relentless passion and innovation of chefs who continue to shape our nation’s gastronomic identity.”

ICF President Chef Davinder Kumar and Vice President Chef Bharat Alagh gave their best to make this event a success.

Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of the ICF, added:

“Beyond recognition, the Chef Awards represent growth, learning and community. This year, the event underscored the importance of sustainability, innovation and the spirit of collaboration among chefs.”

PROMOTING INDIAN CULINARY HERITAGE GLOBALLY:

Since its establishment in 1987, the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) has been India’s premier association of professional chefs. Operating as a non-profit organization, it serves as a bridge between traditional Indian culinary heritage and modern global gastronomy. Affiliated with the World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS), representing more than nine million chefs across 110 countries, the ICF continues to advance India’s culinary identity through competitions, mentorship and training programs.

The awardees and the members of the Indian Culinary Forum, 2025 at The Ashoka, New Delhi ended up with great zeal and appreciate.

PICTURES COURTESY: MS. RITU PANDYA (PR to the Team Bandstand).

An exclusive media coverage by: Senior Journalist Khatibah Rehmat.

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