The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) is set to host the 22nd Annual Chef Awards, India’s largest celebration of culinary excellence, on October 13, 2025, at The Ashok, New Delhi. The prestigious platform will bring together top chefs, hospitality leaders, and food enthusiasts for a grand celebration of creativity, skill, and contributions to the food and beverage industry.

Around 250 participants will compete across 12 categories, including International Confectionary, Oriental Cuisine, Indian regional cuisines, Indian sweets, kebabs, and more. Specialized competitions such as fruit and vegetable carving on the theme “Agricultural Farm” will also feature, with judging criteria covering hygiene, culinary skills, taste, and presentation.

Beyond competitions, the Presidium Recognition Awards will honor stalwarts with titles like Lifetime Achievement Award, Golden Hat, Silver Hat, Academic Silver Hat, Pastry Chef of the Year, and Lady Chef of the Year. The Shri. Anil Bhandari Memorial, Chef of the Year Award will recognize exceptional chefs with over 10 years of experience.

For the first time, winners of the Master Chef categories will also receive ₹20,000 prize money each, alongside recognition for sustainability, innovation, and culinary education.

Speaking on the occasion, Chef Davinder Kumar, President, ICF, said, “As we embark on the 22nd edition of the Annual Chef Awards, we celebrate the passion, artistry, and dedication of chefs who elevate the culinary arts”.

Adding further, Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary, ICF, noted, “These awards are about fostering innovation, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the culinary community. With the leisure segment growing, this is the perfect platform where tradition meets technology”.

Running alongside the awards is the 13th Knowledge Summit, themed “Tradition to Technology: Strategies for Success in the Culinary World”, The summit will host leading chefs, hospitality experts, and global influencers in discussions on wellness, technological advancements, and education, bridging traditional practices with modern innovations.

The competitions will be judged by a WACS-certified jury, chaired by Mahesh Kumar Sharma, VP of Shiv Vilas Jaipur, with Chef Bharat Khemani as Organizing Secretary. Trade tests will be held from October 6–8, 2025, at Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and the Institute of Bakery and Culinary Arts, New Delhi.

With a mix of competition, recognition, and knowledge exchange, the 22nd Annual Chef Awards is expected to be a landmark event for India’s culinary fraternity.

About ICF:
Founded in 1987 under the leadership of Late Chef Arvind Saraswat, the Indian Culinary Forum is a non-profit association of professional chefs dedicated to advancing the culinary arts in India. Through competitions, seminars, and events, ICF provides a platform for chefs nationwide while maintaining strong international culinary ties.