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6 October 2025WICA Concludes 12th Edition of Chef’s Connect on a High Note

The Western India Culinary Association (WICA) successfully hosted the 12th edition of its flagship annual event, Chef’s Connect 2025, bringing together some of the brightest culinary minds from across India and beyond. The event stood out as a celebration of talent, innovation, and collaboration within the hospitality industry.

This year’s edition witnessed an inspiring mix of renowned chefs, industry leaders, hospitality professionals, and budding students, all united by a shared passion for the evolving world of gastronomy. The platform created meaningful opportunities for learning, networking, and exchanging ideas that are shaping the future of food and hospitality.

A stellar lineup of speakers addressed trending themes such as sustainable gastronomy, culinary innovation, global food culture, and the future of Indian cuisine. Engaging sessions, live demonstrations, and panel discussions kept the audience inspired, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of knowledge-sharing.

The highlight of the event was the Chef’s Connect 2025 Awards, recognizing outstanding professionals for their excellence, leadership, and contributions to the industry. The awardees included:

  • Morde – Pastry Chef of the Year: Chef Rashna Elavia, Chef & Owner, Belamour
  • Chef Entrepreneur of the Year: Chef Jugesh Arora, Director, Chefs Table Studio; Culinary Management Consultant
  • Chef Educator of the Year: Chef Harish Suvarna, Principal, Anjuman-I-Islam College of Hotel and Tourism Management Studies & Research, Mumbai
  • Young Chef Achiever of the Year: Chef Rahul Shrivastava, Executive Chef, Hyatt Centric, Juhu
  • Lady Chef of the Year: Chef Beena Noronha
  • The Chef Vernon Coelho Lifetime Achievement Award: Chef Vivek Tamhane

Expressing gratitude, WICA acknowledged the support of its partners, speakers, the chef community, and delegates whose contributions made the event a resounding success. Their continued involvement reinforces WICA’s mission to nurture, empower, and celebrate the culinary profession.

As the curtains closed on Chef’s Connect 2025, the event reaffirmed its stature as one of India’s premier platforms for culinary exchange, inspiration, and recognition.

Better Kitchen acted as the official media partner for Chef’s Connect 2025, amplifying the reach and impact of the event.