England Triumphs at IIHM’s Young Chef Olympiad; India-UAE Clinch Dr. Suborno Bose Challenge Trophy

England Triumphs at IIHM’s Young Chef Olympiad; India-UAE Clinch Dr. Suborno Bose Challenge Trophy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 15, 2025

The world’s largest culinary competition for young chefs, the IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad, wrapped up its 11th edition with a spectacular closing ceremony in Kolkata. England’s Kamran Taylor emerged as the champion, standing out among talented participants from 50 countries. The Silver medal was claimed by Armenia’s Arsen Armenakyan, while the Bronze went to Yves Gabriel Cabrera Po from the Philippines.

The prestigious competition, organized by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in collaboration with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), London, brought together young culinary talents in a spirited showcase of skill and creativity.

India had its moment of pride as Chef Aliakbar Mustafa Rampurawala from IIHM Bangalore, alongside UAE’s Jasmin Ali Maher Lutfi Jarrar, won the Dr. Suborno Bose Culinary International Challenge Prize. This category, designed to foster international collaboration, featured 28 teams paired into 14 duos, each representing two different countries.

South Korea’s Shi-Hyun An lifted the Plate Trophy, awarded to the best-performing team ranked between 11th and 20th after the initial rounds. The competition was fierce, with each participant bringing their finest culinary expertise to the global stage.

Reflecting on the event’s impact, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the Young Chef Olympiad, remarked, “Under the grand Kolkata sky, the culinary world unites. This is what culinary diplomacy means—bringing people together through food. YCO is more than a competition; it’s a family.” The event also introduced a new venue for the opening ceremony in Goa, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Sea.

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Prof. David Foskett OBE, Chairman of the Jury, emphasized the unifying spirit of the competition, stating, “YCO is a grand celebration of friendship, unity, and passion. It demonstrates how food can connect people even in a world of conflict.”

Padmashri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor added, “YCO is built on compassion, and when you sustain it for 11 years, that compassion multiplies. It is a perfect blend of competition and collaboration. Dr. Bose is not just a visionary; he’s a man of steel, leading this movement with unwavering passion.”

Dr. Bose also shared IIHM’s latest initiative—integrating artificial intelligence into hospitality education. He announced the launch of a Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration on AI in Hospitality, a collaborative effort involving 50 countries to ensure technology enhances human connection and sustainability in the industry.

The night in Kolkata was not just about winners but about unity, cultural exchange, and the shared love of food. As young chefs from around the world came together, they reaffirmed their roles as ambassadors of culinary diplomacy, celebrating with joy, dance, and the vibrant spirit of global camaraderie.

About Young Chef Olympiad (YCO): 

Since its inception in 2015, the Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) has provided young student chefs with a prestigious platform to showcase their skills on a global stage. Over the years, the Olympiad has witnessed rising culinary stars and celebrated dreams, solidifying its reputation as a premier event in the world of gastronomy.


Celebrate Diwali with Quro: India’s Artisanal Liqueur

Celebrate Diwali with Quro: India’s Artisanal Liqueur

By Hariharan U

Published on October 4, 2025

This Diwali, make your celebrations memorable with Quro, India’s first liqueur of its kind. More than a drink, Quro is an artisanal expression of heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality perfect for gifting during the festival of lights.

Crafted from 36 carefully selected ingredients sourced from across India including vibrant fruits, fragrant flowers, and traditional herbs and spices, Quro balances smoothness with complexity. Its flavour is at once familiar and intriguingly new, making it ideal for festive toasts, sharing special moments, or gifting to loved ones.

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Quro’s elegant packaging, inscribed with the name in multiple Indian scripts, celebrates the country’s diversity and adds a distinctive touch to any Diwali gift. The liqueur is versatile: sip it neat, enjoy it as a spritz, or try signature serves like the Quro Qrisp.

“Gifting Quro isn’t just about celebration; it’s about honouring tradition, togetherness, and the spirit of Diwali with something thoughtfully crafted and truly original,” says the team at Inspired Spirits.

About Inspired Spirits

Founded in 2023 by Anmoll Alok Bansal, Inspired Spirits was born out of a vision to bring innovation and creativity to India’s spirits category. Recognising a gap for bold experimentation in flavours and ingredients, Anmoll set out to reimagine what premium homegrown spirits could be.

Quro is the first creation from Inspired Spirits, a contemporary liqueur that celebrates curiosity, craftsmanship, and bold ideas. It marks the beginning of a journey to redefine how India experiences and engages with artisanal spirits.

  • Available at: Select premium wine stores across Goa

  • Follow on: Instagram and LinkedIn

This festive season, let Quro light up your celebrations with a gift that is bold, timeless, and unmistakably Indian.


Four Seasons Mumbai Launches Crème Atelier, a Signature Cake Collection of Indulgence

Four Seasons Mumbai Launches Crème Atelier, a Signature Cake Collection of Indulgence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 4, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, renowned for curating experiences that go beyond the ordinary, has introduced Crème Atelier, its signature cake collection that celebrates indulgence and artistry. The launch took place in spectacular fashion at AER, the hotel’s iconic rooftop destination, where a glamorous fashion show unveiled the creations in style.

Crème Atelier brings together timeless flavours and refined craftsmanship, with cakes designed to honour every celebration. The collection features indulgent delights such as Dark Chocolate Ganache, Hazelnut Praline, Banana Caramel Toffee, and Seasonal Fruit & Cream, each balancing richness with finesse.

For those who appreciate classic favourites, options like Berry Charlotte, Biscoff Cheesecake, and a reimagined Black Forest offer beloved flavours with elegant twists, while the Pistachio Berry Cake combines nutty depth with vibrant freshness.

“At Four Seasons Mumbai, our endeavour has always been to create moments of joy that go beyond the expected. With Crème Atelier, we bring the creativity of an atelier to the world of pâtisserie, giving our guests exquisite cakes that are as memorable as the celebrations they honour,” said Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.

Crafted with premium ingredients, including Belgian chocolate and seasonal produce, and with options for customisation, Crème Atelier is set to become a go-to destination in Mumbai for luxury cakes and celebratory indulgence.

With this launch, Four Seasons Mumbai adds yet another layer to its reputation for excellence in dining, lifestyle, and hospitality, offering guests a sweet experience that is both innovative and timeless.


Ranveer Singh’s SuperYou Expands Snacking Portfolio with Mini Protein Wafers

Ranveer Singh’s SuperYou Expands Snacking Portfolio with Mini Protein Wafers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 4, 2025

SuperYou, the protein-focused snacking brand co-founded by Ranveer Singh and Nikunj Biyani, has expanded its product line with the launch of SuperYou Protein Wafer Minis. The new offering is a smaller, on-the-go version of its popular protein wafers, designed to bring together health, indulgence, and convenience in one pocket-sized treat.

Crafted with wholesome ingredients such as atta, jowar, and fermented yeast protein, SuperYou Minis are free from added sugar and palm oil. Each 20g wafer contains 5g of protein and under 100 calories, making it a guilt-free option for mindful snacking. The Minis are available in three flavours: Mango, Cookies & Cream, and Choco Hazelnut.

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Positioned as a smarter alternative to traditional chocolates, the launch reflects SuperYou’s mission to make protein exciting and accessible for all. With India’s ₹42,000+ crore snacking market increasingly shifting toward healthier formats, SuperYou is tapping into the growing demand for protein-rich, convenient, and indulgent snacks.

Commenting on the launch, Nikunj Biyani, Co-founder of SuperYou, said:

“At SuperYou, we’ve always believed protein doesn’t have to be boring. Our protein wafers became such a go-to snack, and with Minis, we’re just taking that idea a step further. It’s a new format that brings indulgence, health, and convenience together in one pocket-sized treat.”

Ranveer Singh, Co-founder of SuperYou, added:

“Snacking is such a big part of our culture, and honestly, who doesn’t love a light, crunchy, chocolatey wafer? Now imagine these incredible new flavours with a protein hit, but in a smaller bite-sized format. For us, this launch is opening a new snacking moment, and bringing us closer to our vision of making protein just as exciting for everyone.”

Available through the SuperYou website, Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto, and select modern and general trade outlets across India’s top ten cities, SuperYou Minis are designed for today’s busy lifestyles, ideal for work breaks, travel, or quick indulgence without compromise.

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