Culinary Art India 2026: A showcase of culinary excellence

The 18th edition of Culinary Art India 2026 is currently underway at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, running from March 10 to 14 alongside the 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair.

Organised by the Indian Culinary Forum in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation and Hospitality First, this year’s competition marks a milestone with official endorsement from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS).

More than 600 professional chefs, apprentices and culinary students from across India are taking part in the competition, which features over 18 categories. These include artistic pastry and bakery showpieces, three-tier wedding cakes, fruit and vegetable carving, plated appetisers, petit fours, international three-course set menus, authentic Indian regional cuisine, sushi platters, millet-based dishes, chocolate artistry, live cooking contests, and mocktail and sandwich-making challenges.

According to Davinder Kumar, president of the Indian Culinary Forum, the WACS endorsement aligns the event with internationally recognised culinary sport standards and places Indian chefs on the global competition map.

Vivek Saggar, general secretary of the forum, said entries are being evaluated under a structured 100-point marking system assessing mise-en-place, technique, hygiene, innovation, presentation, taste and overall execution.

The jury includes WACS-certified members from India and abroad and is chaired by Rick Stephen.

The competition aims to give young chefs exposure to international standards while offering working professionals a platform to benchmark their skills beyond daily kitchen operations.

When: March 10–14

Where: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi