Final Winner to be Announced on February 8th
Bengaluru, India – February 4, 2025 – The 11th International IIHM Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) commenced its first round today at the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) Bengaluru campus. Ten aspiring chefs from ten different countries are competing for culinary glory.
The Round 1 participants include Doru Lucian Nasta (Romania), Lim Qi Yi (Malaysia), Alicia Dzithendo Muvhirwa (South Africa), Elwaro Junior Suze (Namibia), Aishath Sobaha Hussain (Maldives), Sarmila Subba (Bhutan), Nguema Obono Aqulies Alogo (Equatorial Guinea), Young Choi (Switzerland), Gabrielle Brooke Harrison (Northern Islands), and Shirin Moosaee (Iran).
These young culinary artists showcased their skills during a 3.5-hour challenge, starting at 9:00 AM, which encompassed a skills test, preparation of a vegetarian dish, and a dessert. The competition concluded at 2:00 PM.
A distinguished panel of international chefs judged the Bengaluru round, including Chef Shaun Kenworthy, Chef/food concept consultant and strategist; Chef Mario Perera, Executive Chef at The Dorchester, London; Chef Enzo Oliveri, Celebrity Chef, Cavaliere OSI, President of Italian Chefs Federation UK, Director International Hospitality Council, Senior Judge Young Chef Olympiad, Hospitality Educator, Food promoter, Events/Exhibition Organiser; and Chief Adjudicator Chef Paul Jervis, Head of School, Westminster Capital City College.
The Bengaluru event is sponsored by Ariane Porcelain, Brigade Hospitality, McCain Foods, Incredible India-Ministry of Tourism & Yuva Tourism Bangalore Chapter, and Delphis.
“The competition is designed to assess the participants’ culinary skills, creativity, and knowledge of diverse cuisines, as well as their ability to perform under pressure,” said Sanchari Chowdhury, FIIHM, Director-IIHM Hotel School, Bangalore, Head-South India & Co-Director-IndiSmart Learning. “The judges were incredibly impressed by the talent and innovation displayed by these young chefs, making the judging process very challenging. We are thrilled to be hosting the 11th YCO.”
The top 10 competitors from Round 1 will advance to the Grand Finale. The next 10 will compete for the Plate Trophy, and the remaining participants will take part in the YCO Dr. Suborno Bose Challenge.
Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman, IIHM, the visionary behind the YCO since its inception in 2015, commented, “The 11th International Young Chef Olympiad is the world’s largest culinary Olympiad. This year, we have a record-breaking participation from over 50 countries. IIHM campuses across India are excited to host this mega event, which will not only inspire young chefs globally but also emphasize the critical role of sustainability in the hospitality industry.”The Grand Final winners, Plate Trophy winner, YCO Dr. Suborno Bose Challenge winner, and other award recipients will be announced at the Closing Awards Ceremony on the evening of February 8, 2025. The Gold winner will receive US $5,000, the Silver winner US $3,000, and the Bronze winner US $2,000.
Ms. Chowdhury added, “This year, we introduced the Young Chef India round, which saw participation from hotel management students across the country. We are proud to announce that the winner of YCI 2025 is Aliakbar Rampurawala from Bengaluru.”
“Showcasing the rich culinary diversity of participating nations, YCO 2025 also featured the ‘United World of Young Chefs,’ which included a World Cuisine display on February 3rd by the 10 participating countries in Bengaluru and a Karnataka Food Festival organized by IIHM Bangalore in partnership with venue partner Brigade Hospitality,” Ms. Chowdhury concluded.
