The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) has announced the 22nd Annual Chef Awards, India’s most prestigious culinary showcase, to be held on October 13, 2025, at The Ashok, New Delhi. Recognized as the country’s premier platform celebrating culinary artistry, the event will bring together leading chefs, industry veterans, and food enthusiasts.
Celebrating Culinary Talent
This year’s competitions will see 250 chefs competing across 12 categories, including International Confectionary, Oriental Cuisine, North and Regional Indian Cuisine, Kebabs, Indian Sweets, International Cuisine, Baker, Butcher, and Student Chef of the Year. Special contests such as Fruit & Vegetable Carving on the theme “Agricultural Farm” will also feature, with judging based on hygiene, skill, taste, and presentation.
Honouring Industry Stalwarts
Alongside the competitions, Presidium Recognition Awards will salute lifetime achievers and pioneers. Honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award, Golden Hat, Silver Hat, Pastry Chef of the Year, Lady Chef of the Year, and the Shri. Anil Bhandari Memorial – Chef of the Year Award, recognizing chefs with over 10 years of excellence.
New Highlights in 2025
For the first time, winners in the Master Chef categories will receive ₹20,000 each, reflecting ICF’s focus on rewarding innovation, sustainability, and culinary education.
Knowledge Summit 2025
Coinciding with the awards, the 13th Knowledge Summit will be held under the theme “Tradition to Technology: Strategies for Success in the Culinary World.” The summit will feature panel discussions on health, wellness, sustainability, and the integration of modern technology into traditional culinary practices.
Voices from the Forum
“ICF has been at the forefront of celebrating culinary evolution in India,” said Chef Davinder Kumar, President, ICF. “The awards honor those who elevate the art of cooking and contribute to India’s rich culinary heritage.”
Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary, ICF, added: “Beyond awards, this is about innovation, knowledge exchange, and strengthening our community.”
Jury & Evaluation
The jury, certified by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), will be chaired by Mahesh Kumar Sharma, VP, Shiv Vilas Jaipur, with Chef Bharat Khemani as Organizing Secretary. Trade tests will be conducted from October 6–8, 2025, at Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and the Institute of Bakery and Culinary Arts, New Delhi.
