Bengaluru, Feb 05: The 12th IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026 opened in Bengaluru with a spectacular ceremony that matched the scale, emotion, and global stature of the world’s largest culinary competition for young chefs. Transforming the city into a vibrant international stage, the opening marked Bengaluru as the ceremonial and cultural gateway to YCO 2026—where the world came together before the Olympiad’s journey across India began.
From the moment international delegations arrived, the atmosphere carried the spirit of an Olympiad. Student chefs from over 40 countries were welcomed by IIHM student buddies assigned to each team, setting a tone of warmth, care, and hospitality that defines the ethos of YCO. More than the start of a competition, the evening established YCO as a celebration of cultures, cuisines, and shared aspirations.
The ceremony unfolded as a powerful visual and emotional spectacle. A dynamic opening framed YCO as a global movement that transcends competition, followed by the much-anticipated Entry of Countries—a cinematic procession of flags, uniforms, and young culinary ambassadors stepping onto one stage. The moment captured the essence of YCO: nations arriving not as rivals, but as collaborators united by the universal language of food.
Positioning the Olympiad within a broader national and global context, the ceremony highlighted India’s journey of transformation and its leadership in innovation and artificial intelligence. Bengaluru’s role as a hub of ideas and technology was underscored through the spotlight on IIHM’s future-facing initiatives, including NamAIste GPT, aligning hospitality education with ethical, human-centric AI.
At the emotional core of the evening was the address by Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman, IIHM, who reminded the gathering that hospitality, even in a rapidly evolving world, remains deeply human. Addressing the largest congregation of young chefs globally, he said, “You are here as culinary ambassadors—carrying the stories, traditions, ingredients, and philosophies of your nations. The Young Chef Olympiad is culinary diplomacy in action, where borders dissolve and food builds bridges.”
The global significance of the event was reinforced through a video address by Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, welcoming international delegations, followed by the address and felicitation of the Tourism Secretary, Government of Karnataka, reaffirming Bengaluru’s role as a gracious host for international cultural exchange.
Adding further gravitas, Professor David Foskett OBE, Chairperson of the Jury, addressed the gathering, reaffirming YCO’s academic rigour and global credibility, while a message from Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor elevated the Olympiad’s standing as a respected global platform.
Local heritage found expression through a powerful performance of Dollu Kunitha, Karnataka’s traditional folk dance, bringing regional culture into the global spotlight and reinforcing Bengaluru’s identity as more than a host city—a living cultural experience.
One of the evening’s most symbolic moments was the handover of the Culinary Dossier, presented through IIHM students. Reflecting the theme of YCO 2026—“Preserving the World’s Global Culinary Heritage through AI”—the exchange positioned participating nations as a living laboratory of culinary heritage, where AI serves as a tool to document, preserve, and carry traditions forward with respect.
The ceremony reached its crescendo with the announcement of the Grand Jury, the unveiling of the YCO Trophy, and the collective Oath Taking Ceremony, accompanied by the YCO Anthem, banner, and torch entry. Contestants, mentors, and judges pledged to uphold fairness, integrity, and the true spirit of the Olympiad.
As the evening concluded, it was clear that YCO 2026 had begun not just with grandeur, but with meaning. Bengaluru became the first chapter of a journey that celebrates hospitality, innovation, and cultural unity—setting the tone for an Olympiad where food becomes a bridge between nations, and young chefs become ambassadors of a shared global future.