The International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO), the world’s largest culinary competition for student chefs, is set to return for its 11th edition, promising an exciting showcase from young talents.

Organized by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in collaboration with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), the event will take place in six cities across India: Goa, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kolkata from February 2 to 8, 2025.

This year’s competition will feature student chefs from 50 different countries, competing for the prestigious Champion Trophy and a cash prize of USD 5,000. Notably, Indian contestant Ali Akbar Rampurwala from IIHM Bengaluru will represent the nation after winning the Young Chef India competition.

The 2025 edition emphasizes the integration of AI and Sustainability in the hospitality industry. During a recent video conference, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of IHC and Founder of YCO, stated:

“Through the course of 11 years, the International Young Chef Olympiad has grown from strength to strength… This year, we will secure the future of hospitality and hospitality education to make AI… help tourism and hospitality do more for people with enhanced human touch.”

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The competition will feature a jury led by Prof. David Foskett, along with notable chefs including Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Chef Manjunath Mural, and many more.

Chef Kapoor remarked:

“Over the years, people will forget individuals, but they will remember India and the YCO. This competition cements India’s place on the world’s culinary map.”

The YCO will also include a Grand Opening Ceremony in Goa, followed by rounds of competition across various cities, culminating in the Grand Finale in Kolkata on February 8, 2025.