March 26, 2025: Indian School of Hospitality’s (ISH) three-day culinary competition, Distin-GU-ISH-ED 2025, was a resounding success, bringing together the best of India’s culinary talent.
Held at the ISH campus in Gurugram, the event featured an exceptional display of skill, creativity, and passion from aspiring chefs, home bakers, and industry professionals.
With the theme ‘Celebrating Excellence Across the Culinary Spectrum,’ the event brought together participants from across the country, offering diverse competition categories. The occasion not only celebrated India’s rich culinary heritage but also fostered innovation and camaraderie among culinary enthusiasts.
“Distin-GU-ISH-ED 2025 is a space where talent evolves, ideas take shape, and the future of food and hospitality is constantly redefined. At ISH, we lead from the front, pushing boundaries and recognizing the industry as our primary partner in shaping the next generation of culinary professionals. This platform unites aspiring chefs, home bakers, and industry professionals, giving them the space to refine their craft, connect with leaders, and propel their careers forward. The energy and passion displayed here reaffirm why collaboration drives progress, and we look forward to seeing these participants take the industry to new heights,” said Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Indian School of Hospitality.
The inaugural day witnessed young chefs competing in various categories, demonstrating technical prowess and innovative approaches. The outstanding demonstration of abilities impressed both the audience and the esteemed panel of judges comprising Michelin-starred chefs, celebrated bakers, and culinary thought leaders.
The day also featured a hands-on workshop titled “Breaking Boundaries with Fusion Cuisine,” in which students explored creative ways to blend global and Indian flavors. It was a rare opportunity for students to work alongside and learn from some of the best in the industry.
On the following day, passionate home bakers and chefs showcased their skills through diverse and delicious creations, ranging from reinvented traditional recipes to modern variations. A key highlight of the day was the masterclass, “The Art of Artisan Baking,” which offered insights into the finesse of handcrafted baking processes and provided a distinctive platform for professionals to refine their craft, gain industry recognition, and learn directly from culinary icons.
The grand finale was reserved for seasoned industry professionals, who pushed the boundaries of technique and presentation, making for a thrilling showcase of mastery. The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion on “Sustainability in the Culinary World,” where industry leaders shared insights on integrating sustainability into commercial kitchens, highlighting how responsible sourcing, zero-waste practices, and plant-forward menus are shaping the future of food businesses.
For industry professionals, the event functioned as a unique platform for participants from across the country, offering diverse competition categories.
“Distin-GU-ISH-ED 2025 is a reflection of how culinary talent evolves when innovation, mentorship, and competition come together. The level of creativity and technical skill displayed has been remarkable, and I am confident that the next generation of chefs and professionals emerging from this platform will leave a lasting impact on the industry,” said Chef Zubin D’souza, Dean Culinary Studies, Indian School of Hospitality.
The winners in the Students category, Gargi Bagde, Ravi Kumar Singh, Sanwar Zara Bahadur, and Swati Singh, received a trophy from Nestle and a hamper from Ditya. Similarly, in the Home Cooks & Home Chefs category, Shreshth Agarwal and Sneha, Shweta Arora, Julia, and Ram Anand were awarded a trophy from Nestle and a hamper from Ditya.
Among the Professionals, Chef Piyush Rawat, Sri Ramya, Vasudha Sharma, Poorva Joshi, Niharika Arora, Khushi Kaushal, and Sahej Kaur triumphed in the competition.
The total number of winners who secured the first, second, and third prizes across all events stood at 48.
As ISH continues to foster new talent and industry partnerships, Distinguished 2025 marks another step in our commitment to building a more innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive culinary landscape. The momentum from this year’s event sets the stage for even greater collaborations in the future.