New Delhi, Mar 03: The Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) has announced the 18th edition of Culinary Art India (CAI) 2026, scheduled to take place from 10th to 14th March 2026 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, alongside the 40th edition of AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair. This year marks a historic milestone for India’s culinary fraternity, as CAI 2026 is officially endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), aligning the competition with globally benchmarked culinary sport standards.
With participation expected from over 600 professional chefs, apprentices and culinary students from across the country, CAI 2026 will serve as a national platform to demonstrate technical excellence, innovation, discipline and creativity in a structured competitive environment. This year’s edition will also witness approximately 20 overseas participants, including students from Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality United Kingdom- Center of Excellence in Nepal- International Institute of Gastronomy and professional chefs from Thailand and the United States, further strengthening Culinary Art India’s international relevance and positioning it as a truly global culinary competition.
The 18th professional Culinary Contest and Display Excellence Challenge is organised by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) in collaboration with India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Hospitality First, with technical guidance from ICF. Over nearly two decades, Culinary Art India has evolved into the country’s most credible and professionally respected culinary competition platform.
Speaking about the upcoming edition, Chef Davinder Kumar, President, Indian Culinary Forum, said,
“Culinary Art India has always been a platform to elevate professional standards in our kitchens. With WACS endorsement this year, CAI 2026 places Indian chefs firmly on the global culinary sport map. It is our responsibility to nurture disciplined, skilled and confident professionals who can represent India with credibility and excellence worldwide.”
The competition is open to professional chefs from hotels, restaurants, catering establishments, confectioneries, as well as culinary students and apprentices across India. Over 18 categories will be featured, including artistic pastry and bakery showpieces, 3-tier wedding cakes, fruit and vegetable carving, plated appetizers, petit fours, international three-course set menus, plated desserts, authentic Indian regional cuisine, contemporary sushi platters, live cooking competitions, millet-based dishes, chocolate artistry, apprentices’ categories, mocktails and sandwich making.
Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary, Indian Culinary Forum and brand ambassador of Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality United Kingdom added,
“CAI 2026 is not just a competition; it is a learning arena. It provides chefs and students the opportunity to benchmark themselves against global standards while gaining invaluable exposure to structured culinary sport. The experience builds confidence, discipline and technical excellence that stay with them throughout their professional journey.”
The competitions will be judged by a distinguished panel of six international World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS)-certified jury members, led by Chef Rick Stephen, Vice President, WACS, a third-generation chef from Tasmania and the first Australian to be awarded the title of Certified Master Chef, who will serve as Chairperson of this year’s jury. The international jury panel also includes Chef Alan Palmer, Chef Jatuporn Juengmeesuk, Chef Kimwah Lim, Chef Chern Chee and Chef Muller Andreas. Chef Sireesh Saxena and Chef Arvind Rai will serve as Organising Secretaries, ensuring smooth execution of the competition under globally benchmarked standards.
Emphasising the broader vision, Chef Bharat Alagh, Vice President, Indian Culinary Forum, added, “Culinary Art India has consistently encouraged chefs to move beyond routine kitchen operations and embrace structured competition. With global standards now formally aligned through WACS endorsement, CAI 2026 will further strengthen India’s position in the international culinary arena. We look forward to strong participation from across the country.”
For students and young chefs, CAI 2026 offers exposure to international competition standards and assessment by globally aligned jurors, helping strengthen professional portfolios for placements and scholarships. For working and executive chefs, it serves as a benchmark beyond daily kitchen roles, enabling peer comparison at national and international levels while strengthening professional credentials.
As India’s culinary landscape continues to gain international recognition, the 18th Culinary Art India aims to further raise professional standards and reinforce the country’s commitment to excellence in culinary arts.
Event Event: 18th Culinary Art India 2026 Dates: 10th – 14th March 2026 Venue: Hall 1, First Floor, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi