-Khwaish Hingad (cbedit@imaws.org)
A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been formalized between the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF), India’s premier professional chef association based in New Delhi, and the International Institute of Gastronomy (IIG), Nepal’s leading international-standard culinary institute. This unprecedented, exclusive partnership is set to redefine culinary education across South Asia. The strategic alliance unites the strengths of both institutions to forge robust professional and academic ties, enhance learning outcomes, and significantly contribute to the growth of the hospitality sector by ensuring that young chefs are equipped with globally benchmarked skills and unparalleled exposure.
Redefining Professional Standards and Opportunities
The core purpose of this collaboration is to eliminate the gap between classroom theory and industry demands, a philosophy for which IIG, with its CTH-accredited diploma programs, is already recognized. Through the ICF partnership, IIG students and faculty will benefit from a wealth of resources and opportunities previously unavailable in Nepal. This includes granting students direct access to major ICF competitions, festivals, and professional networking events held across India, providing a massive platform for showcasing Nepali culinary talent and gaining essential industry validation. Furthermore, the alliance commits to a high level of knowledge transfer through guest lectures, masterclasses, and faculty exchanges featuring India’s top culinary experts, ensuring education remains at the cutting edge of global culinary innovation.
The impact on career progression is substantial. The MoU is designed to build stronger industry linkages with Indian hospitality suppliers and employers, offering a direct pathway for internships, placements, and enhanced employability across the region. This is instrumental in nurturing global career pathways, as the training provided will be both industry-relevant and internationally accredited. The collaboration also extends into the cultural realm, committing to joint culinary research, cultural food exchange, and regional integration initiatives focused on preserving and globally promoting the diverse gastronomic traditions of both India and Nepal.
“This MoU is more than a formal agreement—it’s a bridge between two rich culinary cultures. Together, we’re empowering young chefs through shared knowledge and training, while preserving and promoting the diverse gastronomic traditions of India and Nepal on a global platform,” Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary, Indian Culinary Forum (ICF).
“At IIG, we don’t just observe industry gaps—we act to close them. Our collaboration with ICF reflects our philosophy of driving opportunity and readiness for students through meaningful international engagement. This MoU, combined with our CTH-accredited programs, will provide our students with unmatched exposure and opportunities to become globally competitive culinary professionals,” Sharon Adhikari, CEO, International Institute of Gastronomy (IIG) Nepal.
The exclusive alliance between the Indian Culinary Forum and IIG Nepal marks a transformative moment for the region’s hospitality sector. By uniting professional leadership with academic excellence, the partnership is set to solidify Nepal’s position as a dynamic hub for skilled culinary professionals. This collaboration guarantees that the next generation of South Asian chefs will be equipped with the practical skills, global-standard curriculum, and real-world opportunities necessary to thrive in any kitchen around the world.
