Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

Chef Vedangi Gawde Triumphs as India's Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 30, 2024

The prestigious Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024 competition, showcasing India’s finest pastry talent, recently concluded in Mumbai. This year, Chef Vedangi Gawde was crowned the winner, with Chef Yash Chhabria as the first runner-up and Chef Sandeep Sharma and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar sharing the second runner-up spot.

Callebaut, famed for its high-quality Belgian chocolate, organized the event in collaboration with Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner. Now in its third edition, the competition aims to provide a platform for India’s top pastry chefs to showcase their innovative use of chocolate in bakery, pastry, and confectionery creations.

The journey to the finale was marked by remarkable talent and creativity. Pastry chefs from across India participated in regional qualifiers held in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. The eight finalists—Chef Krishanu Dey, Chef Milan Shoran, Chef Sandeep Sharma, Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef Anshul Grover, Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Chef Shashi Kiran, and Chef Yash Chhabria—competed fiercely for the top honors.

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Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef de Partie at Sivako, emerged victorious. Chef Yash Chhabria, Pastry Cook and Co-Founder of Cacaobleu, was the first runner-up. Chef Sandeep Sharma, Demi Chef de Partie at JW Marriott Kolkata, and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Pastry Chef at Sofitel BKC, tied for the second runner-up position.

Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut Cocoa & Chocolate Ingredients India, expressed pride in the event's success. He highlighted the competition’s theme, "Craft Your Signature," which encouraged chefs to express their authentic selves through their creations. He praised the participants for their exceptional skill, talent, and passion displayed throughout the competition.

Chef Pratik Deshmukh, Head of Chocolate Academy Mumbai, was thrilled with the level of talent showcased. "Overall, we had a great turnout for the competition. We had the opportunity to taste some really unique flavor combinations as well. The Chefs truly pushed their boundaries through the competition and proudly crafted their signatures. The level of pastry skill has indeed evolved, which was displayed throughout the competition, be it with newer, more efficient methods of working or flavor pairings and techniques used to craft bonbons, entremets, and other creations."

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Global Callebaut Creative Lead Chef Minette Smith, who judged the event for the second time, echoed these sentiments. She appreciated the contestants' creativity and their use of local ingredients. She remarked on the difficulty of selecting a winner due to the high level of competition and wished all participants success in their future endeavors.

Chef Vedangi Gawde said, “I am very happy to win the title of the Callebaut Patisserie for the year. This is a very special title for me, and this win means a lot to me.”

The grand finale featured contestants creating exquisite signature dishes across various categories, judged by culinary experts including Chef Minette Smith, Chef Romain Renard, Head of MENA Chocolate Academies, and Chef Arvind Prasad, Ambassador for Callebaut Chocolates in India.

The event was supported by several partners: Taj Lands End as the Hospitality Partner, The Chocolate Academy Mumbai as the Knowledge Partner, KitchenAid as the Appliance Partner, Unox as the Equipment Partner, Elle & Vire Professional and Delta Nutritives as the Ingredient Partners, BW Hotelier as the Media Partner, Zee Zest as the Lifestyle Partner, and VBev as the Celebration Partner.


JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Hosts First International Culinary Residency with JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Hosts First International Culinary Residency with JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

By Hariharan U

Published on July 27, 2026

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru is set to host its first international culinary residency with JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, bringing the authentic flavours of Thailand’s southern coast to Bengaluru through an exclusive dining experience at JW Kitchen.

Taking place from July 31 to August 9, 2026, the limited-time residency marks the first collaboration between the two JW Marriott properties and will showcase a specially curated menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Khao Lak, a renowned coastal destination in Southern Thailand.

Leading the residency are Chef Worapong Wongvaiyuth (Chef Eak) and Chef Sawangjit Kongchana (Chef Lookked), who will present dishes rooted in Thailand’s rich regional heritage. The menu highlights authentic recipes from JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, prepared using regional ingredients, traditional techniques, and time-honoured cooking methods.

Speaking about the residency, Chef Worapong Wongvaiyuth (Chef Eak) said, “The menu reflects the flavours we are proud to serve at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa every day. It is rooted in regional traditions and prepared with the same techniques that define Southern Thai cuisine. We look forward to sharing these recipes and their stories with guests in Bengaluru.”

Chef Sawangjit Kongchana (Chef Lookked) added, “Every dish on the menu represents the balance, freshness and simplicity that are central to Thai cooking. We hope guests experience not only the cuisine, but also the warmth and generosity that define Thai hospitality.”

The collaboration celebrates the shared values of both JW Marriott properties, bringing together culinary craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and meaningful guest experiences through food.

Commenting on the partnership, Gaurav Sinha, Hotel Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, said, “One of the most rewarding aspects of hospitality is its ability to bring people, cultures, and stories together around the table. We are delighted to welcome our colleagues from JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa to Bengaluru and share a dining experience that is deeply rooted in authenticity and tradition.”

He added, “Beyond the food, this guest chef experience is an opportunity for our guests to experience the warmth, passion, and craftsmanship that define Thai hospitality, making it a truly memorable celebration of the spirit of the JW Marriott family.”

Through this international culinary residency, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru continues to create immersive dining experiences that connect guests with global cuisines, traditions, and stories.

Event Details:

Venue: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
Dates: July 31 – August 9, 2026

About JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru:

Located overlooking the lush 300-acre Cubbon Park, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru offers a blend of contemporary luxury and refined hospitality for business and leisure travellers. The five-star property features 281 rooms and suites, six dining destinations including JW Kitchen, Spice Terrace, UNO Izakaya, Merak Brewhouse, ALBA, and The Patio At 24/1, along with 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet spaces.

The hotel also features Spa by JW, offering wellness experiences with treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and a techno gym fitness centre.


The St. Regis Goa Resort to Host 'Omakase with Chef Rohit' at Riverside

The St. Regis Goa Resort to Host 'Omakase with Chef Rohit' at Riverside

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 27, 2026

The St. Regis Goa Resort is set to bring an elevated Asian dining experience to Riverside with 'Omakase with Chef Rohit', an exclusive culinary showcase by Chef Rohit Chadda. Scheduled from 10th to 16th August 2026, the limited-time offering will present a thoughtfully curated à la carte menu inspired by the essence of Omakase.

The menu celebrates authentic Asian flavours, premium ingredients, and Chef Rohit's signature take on some of Asia's most iconic dishes. Guests can look forward to a selection of signature sushi and nigiri, Salmon Tataki, Asian-style dim sum, Robata grilled specialities, Miso Black Cod, Wagyu beef creations, seafood signatures, and the chef's special Asian noodle selection.

Adding to the experience, diners can explore the Chef's Signature Recommendations Card, featuring seasonal creations crafted to complement the menu. Set against the scenic riverside backdrop, the dining experience will be enhanced with elegant ambience and soothing background music.

The exclusive dining experience will take place at Riverside, The St. Regis Goa Resort, with lunch served from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM between 10th and 16th August 2026.


K-Food Fair 2026 Brings Korean Cuisine and Culture Experience to Gurugram

K-Food Fair 2026 Brings Korean Cuisine and Culture Experience to Gurugram

By Hariharan U

Published on July 27, 2026

Korean food and culture enthusiasts in India are set to experience the flavours and traditions of Korea at the K-Food Fair 2026, which will take place at Ambience Mall, Gurugram, on August 1–2, 2026.

Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), the two-day festival aims to showcase Korea’s vibrant culinary heritage while bringing together food, entertainment, and cultural experiences under one roof.

As Korean cuisine continues to gain popularity among Indian consumers through restaurants, digital platforms, and global entertainment trends, the K-Food Fair offers visitors an opportunity to explore authentic Korean flavours beyond screens and social media.

Designed as an interactive consumer experience, the fair will feature multiple zones including the K-Food Market Zone, where visitors can discover and purchase a wide range of Korean food products. The K-Open Kitchen will offer complimentary tastings of popular Korean dishes such as gimbap, tteokbokki, and kimchi fried rice, while the K-Noodle Station will highlight the variety and popularity of Korean noodle dishes.

The event will also celebrate the wider K-culture movement with activities including a K-Pop Cover Dance Competition, K-Game Zone, and Personal Color Test, allowing visitors to engage with Korean lifestyle experiences. The festival is expected to attract families, young audiences, food lovers, and K-culture enthusiasts.

The event will be attended by representatives from Korea, including Byun Kyung Yong, Managing Director of the aT Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, Bangkok Office; Cho Yoonmi, Director of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) New Delhi Office; and Ms. Park Jihye, Third Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of India.

Speaking ahead of the event, Byun Kyung Yong, Managing Director of the aT Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, Bangkok Office, said:

"The fair reflects Korea's commitment to strengthening cultural and culinary ties with Indian consumers by creating meaningful experiences around food, lifestyle and shared cultural interests."

With India's growing interest in Korean flavours, entertainment, and lifestyle trends, the K-Food Fair 2026 aims to create a platform that connects Indian consumers with Korea’s culinary traditions and contemporary culture.

Event Details:

Event: K-Food Fair 2026
Dates: August 1–2, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Venue: Ambience Mall, Gurugram (Atrium 3, G Floor)

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