The prestigious Everest Better Kitchen Culinary Challenge (EverestBKCC) Season 6 concluded in Jaipur after hosting regional rounds in 17 cities across India, covering East to West and North to South. Over 10,000 students from 250+ hotel management institutes nationwide participated, showcasing their culinary skills and creativity.
Sabeer Mandal, a student from Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal, emerged as the grand finale winner after competing in multiple rounds. He was awarded a trophy, a hamper, a scholarship worth USD 6,000, and a 12-month paid internship at a star property in the USA under the USJ1 visa as part of the WCE Chef Exchange Program (T&C applied).
The second position was secured by Ketki Kulkarni from AISSMS, Pune, while Ayushman Kudu from IHM, Mumbai took the third spot. The intense competition was held at the School of Hotel Management, Manipal University, Jaipur.
EverestBKCC continues to inspire and empower young chefs, serving as a launchpad for their careers. The competition followed the theme “Flavours of India,” with a focus on:
The event was made possible with Everest as the title partner and the support of Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Wisdom Career Education, MYMENU365, and Bio Nutrients (India) Pvt Ltd.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Chef Sudhir Pai, Chef Vivek Kadam, Chef Shantanu Gupte, Chef Ashish Bhasin, and Chef Vimal Dhar, evaluated the participants' dishes, leading to a thrilling and competitive grand finale.
Ekkta Bhargeva, Publisher of Better Kitchen, shared the broader mission behind the event: “Our goal is to prepare students for future challenges while promoting regional Indian cuisines. By integrating local ingredients into global dishes and reviving lost recipes, we aim to inspire the next generation of chefs. This year, we are proud to offer scholarships worth INR 1 crore through the USA J1 WCE Chef Exchange Visitor Program, which includes a one-year paid internship in the USA, supported by our International Placement & Study Abroad Partner, Wisdom Career Education.”
This season also introduced two new competitions, further expanding the platform’s reach:
Additionally, the Better Kitchen Bakery Champion, introduced last season, continued to spotlight young baking talents.
Winners of Better Kitchen Bakery Champion:
First Position: Prachiti Dinesh Yadav, ITM IHM, Nerul, Navi Mumbai
Second Position: Yastika Anand, IHM Mumbai
Third Position: Neha James Mullur, Fr. Agnel Institute of Food, Crafts & Culinary Science, Verna, Goa
Winners of Better Kitchen F&B Young Masters Challenge:
First Position: P Y Pranay, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
Second Position: Kasa Muralikrishna, Chennai’s Amirta International Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad
Third Position: Swashray Arote, BVDU IHMCT, Pune
Winners of Enzo Housekeeping Olympiad:
First Position: Nipun Kulkarni, IHM Mumbai
Second Position: Ajil Benny, Chavara Institute, Kochi
Third Position: Vinutha SV, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
The EverestBKCC platform continues to set new benchmarks in culinary excellence, encouraging students to innovate while preserving the rich heritage of Indian cuisine.
In a landmark move to enhance industry synergies, the Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI). This collaboration is set to revolutionize the relationship between hospitality procurement professionals and global food suppliers.
The signing ceremony, held at the FIFI Office in Delhi, was attended by esteemed industry leaders and key stakeholders, marking a pivotal moment for both organizations.
This strategic partnership will foster stronger ties between the hospitality procurement and food import sectors, particularly during AAHAR and other major trade events. It aims to streamline procurement processes, facilitate knowledge exchange, and unlock new business opportunities for industry professionals.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nitin Nagrale, Founder & General Secretary of HPMF, stated: "This MOU marks the beginning of a dynamic collaboration between HPMF and FIFI, enabling us to drive innovation in procurement, expand market access, and enhance the quality of food imports. Together, we will create seamless business opportunities that benefit our members and the industry at large."
This agreement aligns with HPMF’s vision of procurement excellence and its commitment to strengthening international trade partnerships. By joining forces, HPMF and FIFI will establish a robust platform that ensures access to premium global products, fosters seamless interaction between procurement professionals and food importers, and drives industry-wide growth and innovation.
With this milestone MOU, HPMF and FIFI are set to shape the future of hospitality procurement, paving the way for a more connected and progressive industry.
The Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum (HPMF) has announced that its much-anticipated Convention and Awards 2025 will be hosted in the vibrant city of Amritsar, Punjab, in September/October 2025.
This annual gathering, a highlight of the hospitality industry calendar, promises to deliver a unique experience by blending innovation with Punjab’s rich cultural heritage. The convention is set to feature:Amritsar, renowned for its iconic Golden Temple and legendary hospitality, offers the perfect backdrop for this milestone event. Speaking about the upcoming convention, Mr. Mohan Deshpande, Chairman of HPMF, shared, “This year’s event will not only celebrate the achievements of the hospitality industry but also provide a platform to inspire new benchmarks of excellence.”
Stay tuned for more details as the countdown to this extraordinary event begins!
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Dear Readers,
As we transition into the year end, the culinary world is buzzing with excitement, and Better Kitchen is here to capture it all. In this edition, we bring you a rich tapestry of flavors and stories that promise to tantalize your senses and ignite your passion for food.
One of the highlights of this issue is the Better Kitchen Awards, where we celebrate excellence in the culinary world. From innovative chefs to sustainable practices, these awards recognize the best in the industry and inspire others to reach greater heights.
We also had the pleasure of sitting down with Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, a culinary maestro known for his vibrant personality and delectable dishes. In an exclusive interview, Chef Sokhi shares his culinary journey, from humble beginnings to the success of his venture, Karigari. His insights and passion for food are sure to inspire aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts alike.
In our quest to explore the diversity of Indian cuisine, we delve into the world of Indian Ber. This lesser-known fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients and flavors, making it a must-try for culinary enthusiasts looking to expand their palate.
Safety in food consumption is paramount, and we address this concern with an in-depth look at the safety of sushi. From sourcing to preparation, we examine the measures taken to ensure that this Japanese delicacy is safe for consumption.
Gut health is a topic gaining prominence in the culinary world, and we explore its importance in our article on the subject. Discover how the food we eat impacts our gut health and what steps we can take to maintain a healthy digestive system.
In addition to these exclusive features, we bring you a report on the Indian Culinary Forum Awards, highlighting the achievements of culinary professionals who have made a significant impact on the industry. We also cover the Western India Chefs Association's event, Chef's Connect, where chefs come together to share their knowledge and experiences.
As always, we include our regular features, providing you with the latest news and updates from the world of food and hospitality.
We hope this edition of Better Kitchen leaves you inspired and eager to embark on your culinary adventures.
Happy reading and happy cooking!
Ekta Bhargava
Managing Editor
Better Kitchen has started a weekly recipe contest on WhatsApp Group - Gourmet Delight with Better Kitchen. The members are home chefs and professional chefs. The recipes contest is open only for the group home chef members. The winning and chefs choice recipes are featured in Better Kitchen website. Five times Winner will get a chance to meet celebrity chef and interact with him/her about the recipe.
The celebrity chef will modify the recipe and give a new twist in the recipe. The modified recipe will also be featured in the Better Kitchen website as well as magazine.
Interested in joining the group? Send an email with your name, email ID, mobile number and city to events@betterkitchen.in
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Better Kitchen is thrilled to unveil the Everest Better Kitchen Culinary Challenge (EverestBKCC) Season 6, a prestigious competition exclusively for budding chefs. This platform offers young culinary talents an opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills. EverestBKCC will travel across 17 cities for semi-final rounds, culminating in the Grand Finale in Jaipur from 28 February to 1 March 2025.
In addition to EverestBKCC, three concurrent competitions for hospitality students will also be held this season:
EverestBKCC is proudly supported by:
Under the theme “Flavours of India,” EverestBKCC celebrates India’s culinary heritage and emphasizes the preservation of its diverse regional cuisines.
Winners of BKCC Season 6 will receive scholarships worth a total of INR 1 Crore, including a prestigious 12-month paid internship through the WCE Chef Scholarship Exchange Visitor Program (US J-1) (Terms & Conditions apply).
Join us for an exciting season that celebrates culinary excellence, innovation, and the vibrant gastronomic diversity of India!
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