Regional culinary talent shines at NYCC East

The East Zone round of the National Young Chef Competition (NYCC) lit up Kolkata with a vibrant showcase of India’s culinary heritage. Held on 18th September 2025 at the Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, the event featured 11 top hospitality institutes competing in a live cook-off that blended tradition with innovation.

Key Highlights:
- Winners Advancing to Grand Finale: - IHM Kolkata and IHM Bhubaneswar will represent the East Zone in the Grand Finale in New Delhi (January 2026).
- ICFAI University, Sikkim was declared runner-up.

Competition Format:
- Each team crafted a three-course Indian meal—starter, main course, and dessert—within 2.5 hours.
- Emphasis was on modern reinterpretations of traditional Indian flavors.

Jury Panel:
- Chaired by Chef Anil Grover, Certified WorldChefs Judge.
- Included culinary leaders like Chef Abhiru Biswas, Chef Kavitha Unni, and others from Taj Bengal and EICA.

Vision Behind NYCC:
- Aimed at final-year hospitality students.
- Focused on celebrating Indian cuisine, fostering industry connections, and opening doors to internships and careers.

Participating Institutes:
- Included Gurunanak Institute, JIS University, Medhavi Skill University, NIPS campuses, and more.

Chef Manjit Gill, President of IFCA, praised the young chefs for their “exceptional creativity” and engagement with India’s culinary traditions. The event was backed by major industry partners like TATA Consumer Products, Nestle Professional, and Wagh Bakri Tea Group.