Culinary Art India 2026 Returns with WACS Endorsement, Elevating India’s Premier Culinary Competition

The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) has announced the 18th edition of Culinary Art India (CAI) 2026, scheduled to take place from 10th to 14th March 2026 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, alongside the 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair.

Edition:
18th Culinary Art India (CAI)

Dates:
10–14 March 2026

Venue:
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Concurrent Event:
40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair

Organizers:
Indian Culinary Forum (ICF), India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Hospitality First

Global Recognition
- Endorsement: Officially backed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS).
- Significance: Aligns CAI with globally benchmarked culinary sport standards, elevating India’s chefs onto the international stage.

Participation
- Expected Competitors: 600+ chefs, apprentices, and culinary students from across India.
- Eligibility: Open to professionals from hotels, restaurants, catering, confectioneries, and culinary institutes.

Competition Highlights
- Categories (18+):
- Artistic pastry & bakery showpieces
- 3-tier wedding cakes
- Fruit & vegetable carving
- Plated appetizers & desserts
- Petit fours
- International three-course menus
- Authentic Indian regional cuisine
- Contemporary sushi platters
- Millet-based dishes
- Chocolate artistry
- Mocktails & sandwich making
- Apprentices’ categories
- Live cooking competitions

Judging & Standards
- Jury: WACS-certified judges from India and abroad.
- Chairperson: Chef Rick Stephen (Certified Master Chef, Tasmania).
- Evaluation System: Structured 100-point marking system assessing:
- Mise-en-place
- Technique
- Hygiene & HACCP compliance
- Innovation & creativity
- Presentation, texture, taste, execution

Impact
- For Students: Exposure to international standards, portfolio enhancement, scholarships.
- For Professionals: Benchmarking skills against peers, strengthening credentials.
- For India: Reinforces the country’s growing reputation in global gastronomy.

This edition is being described as a historic milestone—not just a competition, but a learning arena that integrates India’s culinary talent into the global culinary sport ecosystem.