India is gearing up to host the world’s largest student chef competition—the Young Chef Olympiad (YCO). With participation from talented young chefs across 50 countries, the event is a week-long celebration of culinary skills, cultural exchange, and the power of food in building global unity. This year marks the 11th edition of YCO, which will be held by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London.

Dr. Suborno Bose, the visionary founder of YCO, shared his excitement ahead of the event. "Over the years, YCO has evolved into a significant platform for promoting unity, diversity, and sustainable practices in hospitality. This edition brings a new focus on the future of hospitality education, with AI playing a transformative role," said Dr. Bose during a video conference with journalists from across India.

The competition, taking place from February 3, 2025, will see student chefs from 50 countries battling it out in two intense culinary rounds at IIHM campus kitchens in cities including Goa, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The top 10 chefs will face off in the grand finale in Kolkata on February 8. Alongside the prestigious Golden Toque, the event will also feature the Dr. Suborno Bose Culinary International Challenge prize, providing a platform for rising culinary stars.

In Bengaluru, where the competition kicks off on February 4, 2025, young chefs from Romania, Malaysia, South Africa, and several other countries will showcase their skills. Chef Shaun Kenworthy, Chef Mario Perera, and Chef Enzo Oliveri will serve as judges, with Chef Paul Jervis acting as Chief Adjudicator. The event is sponsored by top hospitality and food brands including Ariane Porcelain, Brigade Hospitality, McCain Foods, and Incredible India.

One exciting addition to this year’s competition is the "Young Chef India" round, which saw Aliakbar Rampurawala from Bengaluru emerge as the winner. Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director of IIHM Bangalore, expressed her pride in the local talent, highlighting how the event brings together a diverse mix of cultures through culinary displays.

A standout feature of this year’s YCO is the focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in hospitality. Dr. Bose will launch his book, Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism and Hospitality, during the opening ceremony in Goa. The book explores how AI can enhance human-centered experiences in tourism and hospitality, aligning with IIHM’s initiative to integrate AI into global hospitality education.

Celebrity chef and mentor for YCO 2025, Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, lauded Dr. Bose for his contribution to revolutionizing hospitality education. "With AI and YCO, Suborno Bose is shaping the future of hospitality," said Chef Kapoor.

The competition will also feature public participation through online voting for the best dessert in Round 1 and the most popular national dish in the United World of Young Chefs competition.

As the event unfolds, the spirit of solidarity and cultural exchange will transcend kitchens and classrooms, leaving an enduring impact on global hospitality education and inspiring future generations of chefs.