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


403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.


Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Lyla Bombay continues to strengthen its position as a neighbourhood favourite with its weekend brunch experience, designed as a relaxed and social affair in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex.

Known for its easy, unhurried format, the brunch brings together a generous grazing table, an interactive DIY burger station, and live performances, creating an atmosphere that is both indulgent and laid-back. The experience is crafted to encourage guests to linger, making it ideal for casual catch-ups as well as longer, leisurely gatherings.

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Over the past two years, Lyla has built a strong following, driven by its globally inspired menu and warm, inviting space. The restaurant strikes a balance between comfort and refinement, offering a setting that feels approachable yet thoughtfully curated.

The brunch format reflects the growing demand for experiential dining, where food, ambience, and social interaction come together seamlessly. By combining interactive elements with live entertainment, Lyla continues to create a weekend offering that resonates with Mumbai’s evolving dining preferences.

With its consistent focus on quality and atmosphere, Lyla’s weekend brunch remains a go-to destination for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging dining experience in the city.

Details:

  • What: Weekend Brunch
  • Where: Bandra Kurla Complex
  • When: Every Saturday & Sunday

Third Wave Coffee Unveils ‘Third Rush’ for Dessert Lovers

Third Wave Coffee Unveils ‘Third Rush’ for Dessert Lovers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 26, 2026

Third Wave Coffee is stepping into a new space with the launch of ‘Third Rush’, a dessert-focused concept that is all about giving in to cravings without waiting for a reason. Built around the idea of being “Made for the Mood”, the brand brings a fresh take on how desserts are enjoyed today, more spontaneous, more social, and driven by the moment.

With café culture evolving, especially among younger consumers who now prefer cafés as places to relax and connect, Third Rush positions itself as a go-to spot after 7 PM. It is designed as a space where plans take a backseat, and conversations, sharing, and repeat orders take over naturally.

Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “With Third Rush, we’re building something that goes beyond dessert as a category and instead focuses on dessert as an experience. Third Wave Coffee has always been envisioned as a young, fun brand, one that understands how our consumers like to spend time, connect, and unwind. With Third Rush, we’re extending that philosophy into a new space, continuing to build concepts that feel relevant to their evolving lifestyles and social habits. The way consumers engage with cafés today is changing; it’s more social, more spontaneous, and deeply rooted in emotion. Third Rush is our response to that shift. It’s designed to be high-energy, welcoming, and a little indulgent, a space where people can come together, unwind, and fully lean into the moment, whatever that mood may be.”

At the centre of Third Rush is a menu that blends familiar favourites with fresh twists. One of the highlights is the Tres Leches range, including a fun, nostalgia-inspired Jim Jam version and the Third Wave Tres Leches infused with the brand’s signature cold brew. The idea is simple, come for one, and you’ll likely end up trying more.

The menu also features layered cakes where classics like Chocolate Cake and Pineapple Cake are reimagined in log-style formats, making them more visual and easy to share. Alongside these are options like Chocolate Pistachio, Carrot & Cream Cheese, and Passionfruit Vanilla, offering a mix of comfort and new flavours.

Adding more variety are the ‘Stacks’, layered desserts that bring together textures and flavours in one bite. Options like Banana Custard, Strawberry Hazelnut, and Biscoff sit alongside nostalgic picks such as the Parle-G Stack and Bombay Cassata. For coffee lovers, the Third Wave Stack adds a strong coffee touch to the mix.

The dessert spread continues with tarts and pies like Banoffee, Lemon, Raspberry Pistachio, Matcha White Chocolate, and Chocolate Caramel. There is also a range of mousses and cheesecakes, including Triple Chocolate Mousse, Basque Cheesecake, Blueberry Lemon, and Biscoff Basque Cheesecake. For those who enjoy warm desserts, options like molten skillet cookies, brownies, including a Pistachio Kunafa Brownie, and freshly baked cookies complete the experience.

Third Rush is launching first in Bangalore and will gradually expand to Third Wave Coffee cafés across the country. It adds a new layer to the brand’s community-driven approach, turning cafés into spaces where people can come together, unwind, and enjoy simple moments.

Details:

Address: Third Wave Coffee outlets: Koramangala 4th Block, Sadashivnagar, Indiranagar (CMH Road) & Vijaya Bank Layout

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