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


Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

By Hariharan U

Published on June 12, 2026

Amoeba Sports Bar has introduced its latest signature creation, Knock Out Kick, a gin-based cocktail crafted by Mixologist Arindam Das. Designed to reflect the thrill of competitive moments and the excitement of victory, the cocktail brings together playful flavour contrasts with a modern, easy-drinking style.

Knock Out Kick is built around a refreshing blend of gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus and tonic water. The drink opens with smooth fruity sweetness from peach, followed by bright citrus notes, before unfolding into a gentle jalapeño heat that lingers subtly on the palate. The addition of tonic water enhances its crispness, making it both lively and refreshing.

Crystal clear in appearance yet layered in character, the cocktail balances brightness, fruitiness and spice in a way that makes it suitable for relaxed evenings as well as celebratory occasions. It is positioned as a go-to drink for game nights, social gatherings and high-energy evenings at the bar.

Speaking about the creation, the concept behind Knock Out Kick focuses on capturing moments of excitement and celebration through flavour, offering guests a drink that feels both familiar and surprising in equal measure. The cocktail reflects Amoeba Sports Bar’s focus on creating engaging, experience-driven beverage offerings.


Sector 144 JP Nagar Launches “The King of Pours” Craft Beer Menu in Bengaluru

Sector 144 JP Nagar Launches “The King of Pours” Craft Beer Menu in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on June 12, 2026

Sector 144, JP Nagar has announced the launch of its new craft beer experience titled “The King of Pours,” a curated beer menu designed around music, nostalgia, and Bengaluru’s evolving beer culture. The programme was launched on 20th May 2026.

Conceptualised as an immersive experience, the menu reflects the spirit of JP Nagar and the city’s strong community-driven pub culture, blending storytelling with contemporary brewing styles and hyperlocal ingredients.

The new selection features five signature craft beers, each built around a distinct mood and flavour profile. The lineup includes Billie's Wit, a Belgian Witbier infused with mosambi peel; Beat It Hefe, a smooth Hefeweizen with banana and clove notes; Off The Wall Stout, brewed with Chikmagalur Arabica coffee; Dangerous IPA, a citrus-forward American IPA; and Mango Jam NEIPA, a hazy mango-infused New England IPA designed for shared experiences.

Alongside the launch, Sector 144 has also introduced Wednesday Gig Nights, featuring live music and curated entertainment aimed at enhancing its community-focused nightlife experience.

The venue describes “The King of Pours” as more than a beer menu, positioning it as a sensory and storytelling-driven experience built around connection, nostalgia, and local culture. The concept integrates neon-inspired visuals, familiar musical references, and immersive hospitality elements.

Speaking about the launch, founder Kushal Raj said, “With The King of Pours, we wanted to create more than a beer menu. Every brew has been designed around a feeling, a memory, and a moment people can connect with.”

He added that the experience is rooted in the culture of JP Nagar and Bengaluru, aiming to create a space that feels immersive, familiar, and community-driven.

The launch reflects Sector 144’s broader vision of building a contemporary craft beer destination centred on hospitality, entertainment, and shared social experiences.


World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

As World Gin Day 2026 is celebrated across global cocktail communities, Bengaluru’s bar scene is marking the occasion with a creative showcase of gin-forward cocktails that highlight the spirit’s versatility. From botanical complexity and tropical freshness to playful heat and citrus-driven refreshment, the city’s mixologists are presenting drinks that reflect both craftsmanship and contemporary drinking trends.

Java Jolt – Maize and Malt, Whitefield

Created by mixologist Mahesh Bhatt, Java Jolt is an aperitif-style gin cocktail that bl  ends botanical depth with Indian inspiration. Gin is paired with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, while Nannari bubbles add a distinctly earthy sweetness and refreshing effervescence.

The cocktail delivers layered herbal notes balanced with subtle spice and floral undertones, making it both nostalgic and modern in expression.

Ingredients: Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Aromatic Bitters, Nannari Bubbles
Palate: Herbal, Aromatic, Effervescent, Balanced, Refreshing

Festum – Gladia Brewery & Kitchen

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Festum is a vibrant, botanical-forward creation crafted for World Gin Day, built on Gondraj lemon-infused gin. The cocktail layers floral hibiscus, ripe peach sweetness, and homemade ginger ale, resulting in a bright and refreshing highball.

Light, aromatic, and citrus-led, Festum captures the celebratory spirit of gin with an easy-drinking yet flavour-rich profile.

Ingredients: Gondraj lemon-infused gin, hibiscus, peach, homemade ginger ale
Style: Floral citrus highball
Palate: Bright citrus, floral, fruity, refreshing, lightly spiced

Lime Emerald – Oasis Brewery, Whitefield

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Crafted by mixologist Abhijeet, Lime Emerald is a refined tropical gin cocktail built on clarified coconut water and fresh lime juice. Kaffir lime leaves add aromatic complexity, creating a clean yet layered drinking experience.

Served in a coupe glass, the cocktail is designed to be visually elegant while delivering crisp citrus freshness and subtle tropical depth.

Ingredients: Gin, clarified coconut water, sugar syrup, fresh lime juice, kaffir lime leaves
Glassware: Coupe glass
Palate: Crisp, Citrusy, Tropical, Aromatic, Refreshing

Knock Out Kick – Amoeba Sports Bar

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Created by mixologist Arindam Das, Knock Out Kick is a high-energy gin cocktail inspired by game nights and celebratory moments. It balances peach syrup sweetness with fresh jalapeño heat, lifted by citrus and tonic water.

The drink starts fruity and smooth before building into a gentle spicy kick, making it a bold yet approachable celebratory serve.

Ingredients: Gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus, tonic water
Palate: Bright, Fruity, Crisp, Subtly Spiced, Refreshing

As gin continues to evolve as one of the most expressive spirits in modern mixology, Bengaluru’s bar landscape reflects a growing appetite for creativity, regional ingredients, and experiential drinking. Whether it is herbal complexity, tropical clarity, citrus brightness, or spicy indulgence, each cocktail offers a distinct interpretation of celebration—perfectly timed for World Gin Day 2026.

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