Chennai hosts final zonal round as PHDCCI concludes nationwide National Young Chef Competition journey

The National Young Chef Competition (NYCC) reached its final zonal round in Chennai, marking the conclusion of its nationwide journey before the Grand Finale in New Delhi on 19 January 2026.

Venue:
Faculty of Hotel Management & Culinary Arts, Dr. M.G.R. Educational & Research Institute, Chennai.

Organizers & Partners:
- PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI)
- Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
- Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA)
- Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC)

Theme:
“Celebrating Indian Culinary Heritage: Blending Tradition with Innovation” – encouraging reinterpretation of classical Indian flavors with modern techniques.

Participants:
Seven leading institutes from Southern India, including:
- Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad
- Asian Christian Culinary & Agricultural Science Institute, Hosur
- IHM Shri Shakti, Hyderabad
- Indian Culinary Institute, Tirupati
- Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad
- Chennais Amirta International Institute of Hotel Management
- Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore

Winners
- South Zone Champions:
- Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad
- Asian Christian Culinary & Agricultural Science Institute, Hosur
- IHM, Hyderabad
- Runner-up: IHM Shri Shakti, Hyderabad

Competition Format
- Each team prepared a three-course Indian meal (starter, main course, dessert) within 2.5 hours.
- Judged by a panel led by Chef Anil Grover (Certified WorldChefs Judge), alongside top chefs from Chennai’s hospitality industry.
- Celebrity Chef K. Damodharan (Chef Damu) praised the students’ sincerity in honoring traditional flavors while innovating confidently.

Significance
- First-ever edition of NYCC, open exclusively to final-year hospitality students across India.
- Aims to build a national platform for Indian cuisine, connecting young chefs with internships, mentorship, and career opportunities.
- Supported by major industry partners like TATA Consumer Products, Nestle Professional, Wagh Bakri Tea Group, McCain Foods, Venus Industries, and more.

👉 The spotlight now shifts to IHM Pusa, New Delhi, where the Grand Finale will crown the nation’s brightest young culinary talent.