Talented Young Chefs Compete in Bengaluru for IIHM Young Chef Olympiad

Talented Young Chefs Compete in Bengaluru for IIHM Young Chef Olympiad

By Author

Published on February 7, 2024

The culinary world witnessed an intense battle as 10 young chefs from 10 different countries showcased their skills in the final cook off of the 10th IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) at the Bengaluru campus of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM). The event marked a significant milestone as part of the world's biggest culinary Olympiad.

The participants, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, included Stelian Genchev Ganchev from Bulgaria, Karl Joakim Erik from Sweden, Adrian Leroy Tomasi from Fiji, Adisa Wacu Maryanne from Kenya, Regina Losana Stoopen from Mexico, Chintaloo Rowin from Mauritius, Kamal Thapa from Nepal, Clifford Jeff Unabia from the Philippines, Baran Kalmaz from Turkey, and Itqua Ansari from the UAE.

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The culinary battle kicked off at 9 AM, with these talented chefs engaging in a 3.5-hour contest, featuring a skills test, preparation of a vegetarian dish, and crafting a dessert. The competitive spirit was palpable, and the contest concluded at 2:00 PM.

A distinguished panel of international chefs, including Prof Dato Abdul Wahab Zamzani, Chef Shaun Leonard, Chef Enzo Oliveri, and Chef Anupam Gulati, took on the responsibility of judging Round 1. The competition aimed to evaluate participants' culinary skills, creativity, knowledge of different cuisines, and their ability to perform under pressure.

Sanchari Chowdhury, Director of IIHM Bengaluru, highlighted the tough competition faced by the judges, who were impressed with the remarkable skill and creativity displayed by the young chefs. The 10th YCO promises to be an exciting edition, marking a decade of culinary excellence.

The winners were announced at the Closing Awards Ceremony on the evening of February 4, 2024. The prize amount for the gold winner would be USD 5,000, the silver winner USD 3,000, and the bronze winner USD 2,000.

The moment of culinary glory arrived at the Grand Finale, where Leyla Valiyeva from Azerbaijan secured the Gold Medal with her perfectly crafted Green Herb Chicken Roulade. Clifford Jeff Cadunggo Unabia from the Philippines and Kamal Thapa from Nepal shared the Silver, while Francesco Orsi from Italy claimed the Bronze with his outstanding Piatto Con il Pollo preparation.

In 2024, the theme centers around the UN Sustainable Development Goals, aligning with India's G20 Presidency. With over 60 countries participating, this edition witnesses the highest-ever global engagement.

Image Credits: YCO Official Website


Together: Delhi’s New Hidden Bar Where Music, Design and Connection Converge

Together: Delhi’s New Hidden Bar Where Music, Design and Connection Converge

By Hariharan U

Published on February 17, 2026

Delhi’s nightlife scene has a new address - discreet, design-forward and deeply immersive. Together, a hidden bar inspired by Tokyo’s iconic kissa culture, opens its doors on 13 February 2026, offering a slower, more intentional way to experience the city after dark.

Tucked behind a quiet alley and marked by subtle discovery rather than signage, Together is designed to be found, not flaunted. Conceptualised by Manav Dangg of Studio Dangg, the interiors layer warm wood, textured mirrors and cobbled walls under a soft red glow, creating an intimate setting where conversation and music take centre stage.

Music is not an accessory here -  it is the anchor. Vinyl records line the space, while curated jazz and throwback selections flow through strategically placed speakers. A dedicated listening room ensures the sound remains immersive, never reduced to background noise.

We exist somewhere between Japan and Delhi. You taste it in the cocktails and hear it in the gentle, jazzy, throwback music,” says Vansh Pahuja, Co-Founder, describing the bar’s cross-cultural inspiration.

The cocktail programme reflects this philosophy. Head of Bar Ravi Negi shares, “We draw from Japanese sensibilities — savoury notes, highball forms and quiet balance. Flavour has nowhere to hide when you strip things down.” The menu moves like a record, beginning with low- and no-alcohol options before building into fuller expressions. Signatures such as Rum Whisper, Golden Hour and Rosé Martini sit alongside inventive creations featuring yuzu, basil, miso butter-washed scotch, grape brine, wasabi-washed rum, mango and clarified coconut milk. Timeless classics including the Dirty Martini, Sidecar and Old Fashioned complete the selection.

The food menu is crafted for sharing and easy pacing, moving from dips and small plates to crisp tempuras and composed dishes. Offerings include edamame hummus, Bangkok guacamole, miso tahini, vegetable tempura, cornflake-crusted onion rings, chicken karaage, prawn tempura and gomae salad, alongside vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandos.

Co-Founder Dhruv Kapoor sums up the philosophy: “This space is built around three things I love deeply — music, cocktails and hospitality that feels human, not rehearsed. If you’ve found us, you’re meant to be here.

Open daily from 5 PM to 1 AM, Together positions itself as more than a bar,  it is a listening room, a design-led escape and a community hub. 

In a city that rarely slows down, Together invites guests to pause — arriving alone, perhaps, but leaving just as its name promises: together.


Spezia Bistro Opens Doors in Gurugram with People-First Hospitality

Spezia Bistro Opens Doors in Gurugram with People-First Hospitality

By Hariharan U

Published on February 16, 2026

Gurugram’s dining scene has a new addition with the launch of Spezia Bistro at Magnum Global Park. The new outlet brings together soulful food, thoughtful design, and a hospitality philosophy that places people at the centre of the experience.

Set against a charming alfresco, fountain-side dining area, the restaurant combines relaxed outdoor seating with Parisian-inspired interiors. The ambience is warm and inviting, making it ideal for early brunches, leisurely lunches, and unhurried evenings filled with conversation.

Founder Abhishek Verma shared the brand’s journey, saying, “From a single inspired moment to a growing brand with multiple locations, Spezia Bistro began with a clear vision to serve an underserved market through people-first hospitality and elevated, experience-driven dining. The idea was validated early on when a guest visited us for brunch, returned later that day with colleagues, and came back again for dinner with family. That moment reinforced everything we stood for.

At its core, Spezia Bistro believes that while food matters, people matter more. The team draws inspiration from the hospitality philosophy of Danny Meyer, focusing on warmth, consistency, and genuine care for both guests and staff. This approach is supported by operational systems influenced by The E-Myth Revisited, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience across locations.

With its Gurugram launch, Spezia Bistro continues its mission to create spaces where good food meets meaningful connection - offering diners a place to slow down, savour, and stay a little longer.


Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Relaunches Glass Bar & Kitchen with ‘A Coast Apart’

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Relaunches Glass Bar & Kitchen with ‘A Coast Apart’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 16, 2026

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse has announced the relaunch of its specialty restaurant, Glass Bar & Kitchen, unveiling a renewed culinary direction under the concept ‘A Coast Apart.’ The refreshed identity draws inspiration from the diverse heritage of India’s southern coastline, offering a contemporary take on coastal flavours.

The reimagined menu presents a thoughtful reinterpretation of coastal gastronomy through a modern lens. By blending culinary traditions from India’s coastal regions with seasonal ingredients and slow, traditional cooking techniques, the restaurant creates a dining narrative that is both nostalgic and progressive. The concept honours regional authenticity while embracing refined presentation and contemporary sensibilities.

Shiv Bose, General Manager of Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, noted that ‘A Coast Apart’ positions Glass Bar & Kitchen with a distinctive culinary identity aligned with evolving guest preferences. Signature elements of the new menu include Tender Coconut Payasam Ice Cream, a curated ‘Amma’s Corner’ section celebrating comforting regional classics, and Glass Special Starter Platters designed for shared dining experiences. The concept has been spearheaded by Chef Tirupathi and Chef Ajit, who have crafted a cohesive menu showcasing nuanced coastal flavours.

Ajit Tiwari, Executive Chef at the hotel, highlighted regional favourites such as Lobster Mappas, Meen Pollichathu, Kuttu Paratha and Gongura Mamsam as standout dishes expected to resonate strongly with guests. The menu reflects a balance of bold flavours and thoughtful contrasts, delivering an immersive coastal dining journey.

Complementing the cuisine is a newly introduced cocktail programme titled “Madya Mix.” Led by Kuldeep Bhure, Food & Beverage Manager, the beverage selection is designed to pair seamlessly with the coastal menu. Signature creations such as Coorg’s Paradise, Bangalore Blossom and Memories by Glass feature botanicals commonly found along India’s coastal belt, layered with tropical infusions and citrus-forward notes to enhance the cuisine’s vibrant flavours.

With this relaunch, Glass Bar & Kitchen reinforces its positioning as a destination for contemporary Indian coastal cuisine in Bengaluru. Offering extended service across lunch and dinner, the restaurant invites guests to explore an expansive coastal repertoire in a modern, sophisticated setting.

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