International Chefs Day: A Global Celebration of Culinary Ma

International Chefs Day: A Global Celebration of Culinary Mastery

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on October 20, 2024

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Imagine walking into a kitchen. The air is rich with aromas of fresh herbs, sizzling pans, and spices swirling together in a symphony of flavor. Behind every pot and pan stands a chef, the conductor of this orchestra, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. On October 20th, we celebrate these culinary visionaries on International Chefs Day, a day dedicated to those who bring joy, comfort, and adventure to our plates.

But this isn’t just about fancy Michelin-starred chefs (though they’re awesome too). It’s about the grandma making the perfect pasta sauce in her family kitchen, the street food vendor creating mouthwatering dishes with humble ingredients, and the culinary students learning to master the craft. Let’s dive into why International Chefs Day matters, and why every meal you’ve ever loved deserves to be celebrated.

The Magic of a Chef’s Craft: More Than Just Food

It’s easy to see a plate of food as just something we eat. But for chefs, it’s a canvas, a blank slate for creativity. They don't just cook—they design experiences. Think about the last time you had a meal that made you stop in your tracks, whether it was a perfectly seared steak, a delicate pastry, or even a burger that made you believe in love at first bite. That moment of awe? That’s the magic of a chef’s craft.

Chefs aren’t just feeding us; they’re telling stories. Through their dishes, they share culture, history, and passion. A simple bowl of ramen can transport you to the streets of Tokyo. A plate of paella might make you feel like you’re sitting by the Spanish coast. Food is the universal language, and chefs are the ones writing the poetry.

More Than a Job, It’s a Lifestyle

Being a chef isn’t a 9-to-5 job. It’s a lifestyle. It’s long hours in the kitchen, perfecting recipes, experimenting with ingredients, and never settling for “good enough.” It’s burning your hand on a hot pan (and not flinching) or making a dish over and over until it’s just right. The dedication is real. And it’s why chefs hold a special place in our hearts—and stomachs.

International Chefs Day is a salute to this relentless passion. It’s not just about fancy plates with tweezers-arranged microgreens (although, shoutout to that level of detail!). It’s about the people who stay up all night to feed hundreds, those who innovate with every bite, and those who take risks to make something unforgettable.

The Heroes Behind the Pandemic Kitchens

When the pandemic hit, the world stopped—but chefs kept cooking. While restaurants closed their doors, kitchens found new ways to serve. Virtual cooking classes took off, with chefs teaching home cooks how to make gourmet meals from their pantries. Delivery became a lifeline, and chefs—who are used to the buzz of a full dining room—kept the flame alive, bringing meals to our doors when we couldn’t step out.

Some even took things a step further. During these uncertain times, chefs rallied to feed frontline workers, communities in need, and those who couldn’t afford meals. Their knives didn’t just chop vegetables; they brought hope.

This Year’s Message: Health and Sustainability

This year, International Chefs Day comes with a powerful message: Healthy Food for the Future. Chefs across the globe are stepping up to encourage the next generation to embrace nutritious, sustainable eating. They’re showing us how we can enjoy incredible meals without harming the planet—whether that means reducing food waste, sourcing ingredients locally, or championing plant-based dishes.

This movement isn’t just trendy—it’s essential. Chefs, through their influence and platforms, are helping reshape how we think about food and the future. And they’re proving that “eating healthy” doesn’t mean boring or bland. It’s delicious, inspiring, and good for the planet.

Celebrate Like a Chef!

How can you celebrate International Chefs Day? Well, if you’re a food lover (which, let’s be honest, who isn’t?), here’s your excuse to go all out. Support your local restaurants, try a new dish, or even get adventurous in your own kitchen. And when you sit down to enjoy that plate of food, take a moment to appreciate the chef behind it.

Try out a recipe from a chef you admire. Or if you’re really feeling the love, order something extra fancy tonight and raise a glass to the culinary artists who make life just a little bit more flavorful.

On October 20th, let’s not just eat. Let’s feast. Let’s celebrate the world’s chefs—the ones who inspire, create, and, most importantly, keep us coming back for seconds Happy International Chefs Day!

Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2025

Lenexis Foodworks, a key player in India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has made a remarkable mark in 2025, with its brands Chinese Wok and Big Bowl sweeping top honours across multiple award platforms nationwide. These recognitions reflect the group’s consistent growth, operational strength, and deep connection with Indian consumers.

Chinese Wok, the company’s flagship brand, was crowned QSR Chain of the Year at the ET Great India Retail Awards, and was celebrated as a Category Disruptor in the Restaurants, QSR & Food Services segment at the ET Brand Disrupt Awards. Its innovation in digital engagement was recognized with a win at the MOMMY Awards 2025 for Best Use of AR/VR, showcasing its shift towards experiential marketing.

At the Food Connoisseurs India Awards 2025, Chinese Wok earned the title of Best Quick Service Restaurant Chain - West India. Regionally, it stood out at the Times Food & Nightlife Awards with multiple titles including:

Best Asian Casual Dining – Navi Mumbai and Thane
Best Chinese Restaurant – Thane, Navi Mumbai, Jaipur, and Noida
Best QSR Casual Dining – Gurgaon

On the delivery front, the Swiggy Awards 2025 recognized Chinese Wok’s popularity across several cities:

Best Chinese:

Rank 1 in Madurai, Amritsar, Mysore
Rank 2 in Vadodara, Mumbai, Faridabad, Kanpur
Rank 3 in Jalandhar, Chennai, Vijayawada, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur

Best Momos – Chennai
Best Newcomer – Manipal

Meanwhile, Big Bowl, the cloud kitchen brand from Lenexis, won Cloud Kitchen of the Year – West India at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards, and ranked second in Best Chinese (Amritsar) at the Swiggy Awards.

These accolades come as Lenexis Foodworks pursues its vision of scaling up to 500 stores by 2027, opening 100 new outlets annually. From one outlet in 2015, the company has grown to over 235 locations in 35+ cities, positioning Chinese Wok as India’s largest Chinese QSR chain. The group is also expanding into East India with aggressive growth plans in Kolkata and neighbouring markets.

2025 also marked a year of fresh innovations. Chinese Wok launched new street-style offerings such as Kurkure Momos and Desi Chowmein, tailored to local tastes. The brand also debuted its cricket season ad campaign, blending themed visuals, contests, and special packaging.

Lenexis Foodworks continues to invest in storytelling and community efforts, from school outreach programs to revamped in-store experiences, strengthening its identity as a vibrant, home-grown brand. As it celebrates a decade of impact, the company is set to redefine Asian fast food experiences across India.

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Via Bianca Brings Soulful Regional Italian Dining to Delhi with CYK Hospitalities

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 3, 2025

Via Bianca, a charming new destination for regional Italian cuisine, has officially opened its doors at N Block Market, GK I, New Delhi. Conceptualised and launched with the support of CYK Hospitalities, India’s premier F&B consultancy, Via Bianca promises a refined, heartfelt culinary experience rooted in tradition and authenticity.

At the heart of this venture is Chef Kamalika Anand, an alumna of Le Cordon Bleu, London, and ALMA, Italy. With experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and deep immersion in the European culinary world, Chef Kamalika envisioned a space that pays homage to Italy’s diverse regional fare. "Via Bianca has lived in my head and heart for a long time. It's more than a restaurant—it's a tribute to the Italy I studied, lived, and loved," she shared.

The restaurant’s ambience blends rustic Italian charm with contemporary elegance. Features like an open kitchen, wood-fired oven, and a pasta shaping station enhance the dining experience, offering guests an immersive look into the culinary craft.

The menu takes diners on a journey across Italy’s regions, with dishes such as Strata Bianca di Zucchini, Spaghetti all'Assassina, and Tigelle 'Nduja, reflecting both skill and soul. From seasoned gourmets to curious foodies, Via Bianca aims to make authentic Italian cuisine both accessible and memorable.

CYK Hospitalities played an instrumental role in bringing this vision to life—from designing ergonomic kitchen workflows to curating the entire guest journey. "Via Bianca is a reflection of meaningful collaboration. We saw Kamalika's passion and aligned it with a solid framework, from planning to execution," said Pulkit Arora, Director of CYK Hospitalities.

With its soulful food, striking interiors, and operational finesse, Via Bianca is more than a restaurant—it's a culinary landmark in the making. Backed by CYK Hospitalities' end-to-end brand-building expertise, it stands poised to redefine experiential dining in Delhi.

About CYK Hospitalities

Founded by Pulkit Arora and Simranjeet Singh, CYK Hospitalities is a full-service F&B consultancy providing turnkey solutions across the hospitality spectrum—from concept creation and chef hiring to menu engineering, SOP design, branding, and market strategy.