The 7th Edition of SICA Culinary Olympiad & Food Competition 2025 had a grand launch at the Chennai Trade Center by R. Rajendran, Minister for Tourism, TN, along with Chef Damu & Chef Seetharam. The three-day event has over 3,000 chefs across India and international teams from Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka & Australia participating in India’s first WACS-endorsed culinary competition.
This event takes place alongside the regional edition of AAHAR International Food Fair 2025, Chennai, and is supported by ITPO (India Trade Promotion Organization) and TNTPO (Tamil Nadu Trade Promotion Organization).
Pre-Event Workshops
As a preliminary to the competition, SICA conducted workshops on Pastry Art & Hot Plate Presentation to impart technical knowledge for professional competitions. Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe, Master Culinary Trainer from Chefs Guild of Lanka, along with his team of 4 expat chefs from Sri Lanka, demonstrated the art of food plating techniques.
Participation and Competitions
Senior chefs and trained chefs from culinary establishments, hotels, bars, and more are participating. The Olympiad includes live competitions for students and professionals, exclusive cocktail and mocktail competitions, and housekeeping challenges. Gold medals are awarded to winners at the end of each day.
Day 1 Highlights – 19th September 2025
- Three-tier Wedding Cake
- Butter/Margarine Sculpture
- Plated Appetizers
- Culinary Team Challenge – Buffet Competition (Batch 1)
- Culinary Team Challenge – Buffet Competition (Batch 2)
- Creative Skilled Paratha – Live
- Best Creation for Restaurant or Banquet Hall Arrangement
- Authentic Indian Regional Cuisine Powered by Maggi Coconut Milk Powder
Recognition and Significance
The 7th edition, organized by the South India Chefs Association (SICA), was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of Tourism R. Rajendran, SICA President Padma Shri Chef Damu, and General Secretary Chef Seetharam Prasad. Recognized by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), it is India’s first such national competition with an international jury.
International Participation and Professional Engagement
More than 3,000 chefs from South India and culinary experts from Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Australia are participating. Senior and trained chefs from culinary institutions, hotels, bars, and other establishments will compete in live cooking challenges, cocktail and mocktail competitions, and sustainable housekeeping contests.
Gold medals will be awarded daily, highlighting the achievements of participants and setting a benchmark for culinary excellence in India.
