Delhi, 16 July (H.S.): The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has launched the National Young Chef Competition (NYCC) at PHD House, New Delhi, to discover and showcase culinary talent among final-year hospitality students nationwide. Chief Guest Suman Billa emphasized the importance of preserving India's culinary traditions and creatively representing Indian cuisine globally.

NYCC, themed “Celebrating Indian Culinary Heritage: Blending Tradition with Innovation,” includes zonal competitions leading to a finale at IHM Pusa in January 2026. The zonal rounds are scheduled for North Zone on August 6, East Zone on September 18, West Zone in November, and South Zone on December 18, 2025. Career sensitization workshops will also be conducted for high school students to address declining hospitality education enrollments.

Mr. Rajan Sehgal described NYCC as a unifying movement for the industry, education, and youth to celebrate Indian gastronomy, while Dr. Chef Manjit Gill framed it as a cultural revival. The event, with participation from over 130 institutions, has support from numerous corporate partners and will award winners with cash prizes, internships, international exposure, and a special award for the 'Best Sustainable Dish.' Prominent figures in the culinary and tourism sectors attended the launch, showcasing the event's significance.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar