HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) is proud to present the 21st Annual Chef Awards, a premier celebration of culinary excellence in India. Set for October 17, 2024, at The Ashok, New Delhi, this esteemed event is one of India’s oldest and largest culinary gatherings, bringing together top chefs, innovators, and gastronomic artists from across the country. Renowned for recognizing exceptional creativity and skill, the Chef Awards will this year offer a remarkable tribute to the evolving art of Indian cuisine.
With around 200 participants, the Chef Awards culinary competition will span diverse categories, including Master Chef of the Year, Kebabs, Indian Patisserie, Indian Sweets, International Cuisine, North Indian Cuisine, Oriental Cuisine, and Student Chef of the Year for both male and female contestants. Reflecting the diversity of India’s culinary heritage, the competition promises to be both fierce and inspiring.
Participants will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, all chefs and hotel industry stalwarts, certified by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), ensuring the highest standards. This year’s jury will be chaired by Chef Rajiv Gulshan, Dean at Le Cordon Bleu Gurugram, G D Goenka University, with Chef Rajiv Chopra serving as organizing secretary to oversee the event’s smooth execution.
Chef Davinder Kumar, President of the Indian Culinary Forum, said, “The Chef Awards and Knowledge Summit have become cornerstones of our mission to recognize and uplift the profession in India. We are excited to once again celebrate the extraordinary talent and dedication of our chefs, who continue to push boundaries. We anticipate an inspiring event that will foster unity and innovation in the community.”
In addition to the competitive categories, the ICF Chef Awards also acknowledge industry veterans with awards for lifetime achievements and contributions. These include the Lifetime Achievement Award, Golden Hat, Silver Hat, Academic Silver Hat, Pastry Chef of the Year, and Lady Chef of the Year. Selected by a respected jury, these awards highlight individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the industry, reflecting the ICF’s dedication to supporting both emerging talent and established leaders.
Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary of the Indian Culinary Forum, added, “The Annual Chef Awards and Knowledge Summit are about celebrating the best in our industry. This year, we’re eager to uncover new trends and showcase the diverse talents of chefs from across India. Our goal is to inspire progress and elevate the culinary community through meaningful discussions that will shape the future of our profession.”
The 12th Knowledge Summit, held alongside the Chef Awards, is a key event that brings hospitality leaders, educators, and critics together for a day of insightful discussions. This year’s summit will delve into the theme “Culinarians in the AI Era – Tiptoeing the Fine Line,” a topic that is highly relevant to the industry. The Knowledge Summit is a platform that facilitates the exchange of ideas, best practices, and strategies to address key challenges in the culinary world, aligning with the ICF’s mission to celebrate excellence and advance the profession.
