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.

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.