February 10, Kolkata [West Bengal]: The IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad, the world’s largest competition for young chefs, was won by Kamran Taylor, a young chef from England. The competition attracted participants from 50 countries.

* The spectacular concluding ceremony in Kolkata culminates the world’s largest collaborative competition for youth chefs.

Yves Gabriel Cabrera Po of the Philippines claimed the Bronze Trophy, while Armenia’s Arsen Armenakyan secured the Silver in the dazzling Grand Finale of the 11th edition of YCO, which was contested by the top ten teams after the first two rounds.

The 11th iteration of the Young Chef Olympiad was co-organized by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) and the International Hospitality Council (IHC) in London.

Jasmin Ali Maher Lutfi Jarrar of the United Arab Emirates and Chef Aliakbar Mustafa Rampurawala of IIHM Bangalore were awarded the esteemed Dr. Suborno Bose Culinary International Challenge Prize by the host nation, India. 28 teams were included in this distinctive category; however, they were not selected for the Grand Finale or the Plate phases. In the spirit of culinary collaboration, they were divided into 14 partners, each representing two countries.

Shi-Hyun An of South Korea was the proud recipient of the Plate Trophy, which was contested by teams ranked between 11 and 20 after the first round.

After two rounds of rigorous competition that showcased the finest culinary talents from around the globe, the YCO Champion, Plate Trophy victor, and Dr. Suborno Bose International Culinary Challenge recipients were selected.

“The world of culinary arts is united under the grand Kolkata sky,” stated Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the Young Chef Olympiad. This is the definition of culinary diplomacy. In a world of youthful chefs who are unified, it is the most effective method of promoting sustainability and happiness through cuisine. This is a feat that can only be accomplished in India. We had a new venue for the opening ceremony in Goa, on the banks of the Arabian Sea, and YCO felt like a family this year.

“YCO is a grand celebration of friendship, unity, and passion,” stated Prof. David Foskett OBE, Chairman of the Jury for YCO. It illustrates the unifying influence of sustenance in a world that is riven by conflict. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Bose, YCO is exclusively possible in India. And he has done so time and time again.

Padmashri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor stated, “YCO is undoubtedly about compassion.” However, the compassion is multiplied when one performs this task for 11 years. YCO is also about collaboration and competition. Dr. Bose is not only an endearing eccentric with a gilded overcoat, but he is also a man of steel.

Dr. Bose also emphasized IIHM’s endeavors to incorporate AI into hospitality and hospitality education. He revealed the Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration on AI in Hospitality, which IIHM has signed with 50 countries. This declaration is designed to foster sustainability, inclusivity, and the human touch.

The united world of young chefs in Kolkata celebrated their roles as ambassadors of culinary diplomacy on an enchanting night, dancing into the night amidst a flurry of colors and cultures, resulting in everyone emerging as victors.