ICF hosts 21st Annual Chef Awards on International Chefs Day

On International Chefs Day, the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) held the 21st Annual Chef Awards at the Hotel Ashok in New Delhi. The event acknowledged the contributions of master chefs and industry veterans in the culinary arts, with Nakul Anand presenting awards to the chefs recognized for their efforts in the hospitality sector.

Chef Davinder Kumar, President of the Indian Culinary Forum, expressed his pride in the ceremony, highlighting the significance of honouring 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 recognised 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, 17 culinary artists were honoured, with awards divided into two categories: five Chef Awards based on nominations and a jury selection, and 12 MasterChef Awards resulting from a four-day competition involving over 150 chefs from across India. Notable chefs like Vivek Saggar and Vinod Bhati highlighted the importance of such events in nurturing culinary talent and fostering creativity within the industry.

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 included Chef Sanjiv Mediratta for Lifetime Achievement, Chef Vikram Shokeen as Shri Anil Bhandari Chef of the Year, and various MasterChef titles awarded in specific categories. The ICF continues to focus on enhancing the culinary arts in India and supporting chefs' development through training and competitions.