The 12th Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026 is set to kick off with a grand opening ceremony in Bengaluru on February 1, welcoming over 50 nations for a unique global celebration of culinary skill, creativity, and culture. Recognized as India’s premier culinary competition, YCO 2026 combines gastronomy, technology, and sustainability, making it a truly global event for the hospitality industry.

Country Draw and First Round Competitions

The official Country Draw for YCO 2026 took place at IIHM Global Campus, Kolkata, in a hybrid format, determining the allocation of participating countries across five Indian host cities: Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Goa. Bengaluru will host both the Grand Opening Ceremony and first-round competitions for ten countries, including Hong Kong, Thailand, Seychelles, Mauritius, Australia, Colombia, Tunisia, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. Teams will showcase their national cuisines while engaging with the city’s vibrant culinary community.

A highlight of YCO 2026 is the launch of NamAIste Hospitality GPT, IIHM’s in-house AI platform built for the global YCO ecosystem. The AI will provide virtual coaching, help contestants create sustainable, zero-waste menus, and offer immersive simulations to enhance learning. Through tools like the NamAIste SDG Sustainability GPT Builder, participants can design carbon-minimal culinary experiences, reinforcing YCO’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Leadership Perspectives:

Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of IIHM and YCO, said, "The Young Chef Olympiad is more than a competition, it is a global platform for talent, diplomacy, and learning. Each participant is a proud ambassador of culture and cuisine, bonded for life. With AI at the heart of YCO 2026, we are creating a new chapter where technology meets leadership and global unity."

Dr. David Foskett, OBE, Chairman of the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London, and Chair of the YCO Grand Jury, added,
"YCO has always been a melting pot of culinary diplomacy. The Olympiad nurtures friendship, innovation, and cross-cultural learning through food, showcasing India’s leadership in global hospitality."

Following first-round competitions in the five host cities, all teams, jury members, and officials will converge in Kolkata for the final rounds, culminating in the crowning of the Young Chef Olympian 2026.

Bengaluru: The Global Culinary Gateway
By hosting the Grand Opening Ceremony and first-round competitions, Bengaluru positions itself as a hub of global culinary excellence, blending culture, sustainability, and technology. The city welcomes the world’s young chefs to an inclusive platform where culinary talent meets innovation, friendship, and leadership.