Culinary Art India 2026 Underway

Culinary Art India (CAI) 2026, now in its 18th edition, is being held alongside the 40th AAHAR – The International Food & Hospitality Fair at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Over 600 chefs, apprentices, and culinary students from across India are participating in the five-day event, with international competitors from Nepal, Thailand, and the United States also joining. This year's competition has received endorsement from the World Association of Chefs' Societies (WACS), aligning it with globally recognized standards for culinary competitions. Participants are being evaluated by WACS-certified judges from India and abroad using a structured 100-point marking system that assesses technique, hygiene, innovation, presentation, taste, and overall execution. Chef Rick Stephen, a Certified Master Chef from Tasmania, is chairing the jury. The event features over 18 categories, including artistic pastry and bakery showpieces, wedding cakes, fruit and vegetable carving, and live cooking contests. Master classes are also being conducted by renowned chefs and industry experts, providing insights into modern culinary techniques and global food trends. These sessions are led by chefs such as Kevin Duthel, Amit Kumar, Vikram Khatri, and Ajay Chopra.