HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
A dazzling evening of culinary brilliance unfolded at the 21st Annual Chef Awards, hosted by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) at the Hotel Ashok in New Delhi. This grand event, held in celebration of International Chefs Day, gathered an elite assembly of master chefs and industry veterans, all coming together to acknowledge the artistry and dedication that defines the culinary world. The night was illuminated by the presence of Nakul Anand, former Executive Director of ITC Hotels, who had the honor of presenting awards to the outstanding culinary artists recognized for their exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry.
The Chef Awards by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) are among India’s most prestigious culinary accolades, honoring the exceptional contributions of chefs and elevating the reputation of Indian cuisine worldwide. These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also serve as a catalyst for inspiring chefs to pursue excellence in their craft and bring international prestige to Indian cuisine. As the oldest association formed in 1987 dedicated to representing professional chefs in India, the ICF plays a pivotal role in recognizing and promoting culinary excellence.
Chef Davinder Kumar, President of the Indian Culinary Forum, expressed his pride in the ceremony, highlighting the significance of honoring those who have made a lasting impact in the culinary world. “The Chef Awards celebrate the dedication and creativity of our culinary artists. Their contributions are invaluable to the hospitality industry, and we are committed to showcasing their talent. This year’s awards highlight the innovative spirit of our chefs, and it is a pleasure to witness their hard work being recognized on such a grand platform. I believe these awards will not only motivate the awardees but also inspire upcoming chefs to explore their culinary passions and push the boundaries of their creativity.”
This year’s ceremony celebrated 17 culinary artists for their outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry. The awards were divided into two categories: 5 Chef Awards, determined through nominations and selected by a grand jury, and 12 MasterChef Awards, awarded following a rigorous four-day culinary competition involving over 150 chefs from across India. The competitions took place at the Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) in Vikaspuri and the Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology in Delhi. A distinguished panel of WACS-certified jury members from all over India meticulously judged the participants. This year’s competitions were chaired by the esteemed Chef Nimish Bhatia, with Chef Rajeev Chopra serving as the organizing secretary.
Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of the Indian Culinary Forum, emphasized the importance of such events in fostering culinary talent. He said, “The Chef Awards not only recognize excellence but also inspire the next generation of chefs to push the boundaries of culinary innovation. It is our responsibility to create an environment where creativity flourishes and where chefs feel empowered to showcase their unique culinary voices. The rigorous competitions we held this year were a testament to the talent present in our community, and we are proud to support these chefs as they continue to contribute to the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.”
Chef Vinod Bhati, the Treasurer of the Indian Culinary Forum, extended his profound gratitude, saying, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our event partners and supporting associations who collectively played an instrumental role in making this event a resounding success. Their unwavering support and commitment to excellence in the culinary arts have truly elevated this celebration. Together, we are fostering a vibrant culinary community that inspires creativity and innovation across the industry.”
The winners of the 21st Annual Chef Awards are as follows:
- Lifetime Achievement Award:Chef Sanjiv Mediratta
- Golden Hat Chef: Chef (Dr.) Gautam Chaudhry, Demiurgic Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.
- Silver Hat Chef: Chef Diwas Wadhera, Eros Hotel, Nehru Place, ND
- Pastry Chef of the Year: Chef Syed Ali Miya Naqvi, Radisson Kaushambi
- Shri Anil Bhandari Chef of the Year: Chef Vikram Shokeen, The Ashok
- Master Chef Carver: Chef Praveen Kumar, IHC, Habitat World Delhi
- Master Chef Butcher: Chef Sanjay Bakhla, Le-Meridien, Delhi
- Master Chef Kebab: Chef Praveen Kumar, Country Inn & Suites, Sahibabad
- Master Chef Indian Sweets: Chef Omvir Singh, The Ashok
- Master Chef International Confectionery: Chef Deepak Kumar, JW Marriott, Aerocity
- Master Chef East West South Indian Cuisine: Chef Sunder Rajan, Caddie Hotels Aerocity
- Master Chef North Indian Cuisine: Chef Navjot Singh, Novotel Aerocity
- Master Chef International Cuisine: Chef Aman Prajapati, Delhi Aerocity, GMR
- Master Chef Oriental Cuisine:Chef Suraj Thakur, Eros Hotel, Nehru Place, ND
- Master Chef Baker: Chef Sunny, Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi
- Student Chef of the Year (Female): Shaila Swamy, IBCA
- Student Chef of the Year (Male):Rishi Goyal, Vedatya Institute
