From Classroom to Cultural Showcase: How SSCANS Pune Turned Tradition into a National Victory

Every great culinary journey begins with respect - for ingredients, for tradition, and for the stories that food carries across generations. At SSCANS (Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts and Nutritional Sciences), Pune, this philosophy is not just taught - it is lived.

On 19 January 2026, this belief transformed into a defining national moment, as SSCANS emerged as the National Winner at the PHDCCI National Young Chef Competition (NYCC) 2025–26, held at IHM Pusa, New Delhi.

But this wasn’t just a win.
It was a showcase of India’s culinary heritage, presented through the lens of one of the best culinary schools in India.

Where Culture Meets Culinary Excellence At SSCANS, culinary education goes beyond technique. As a leading culinary institute in India, the focus is on understanding why food matters - its history, geography, and emotional value.

This approach is what makes SSCANS stand apart among:

• Best Culinary College in India
• Top Culinary School in Pune
• Culinary Arts Colleges in India

Students don’t just pursue a culinary arts course in Pune - they immerse themselves in a system that blends tradition with global standards.

The National Stage: A Celebration of Indian Food Systems The NYCC brought together the finest institutions offering culinary arts courses in India and hospitality management courses in Pune and beyond.

Organized by PHDCCI in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, IFCA, and THSC, the competition emphasized one core idea:

• “Innovation must be rooted in tradition.”

For SSCANS, this aligns perfectly with its B.Sc. in Culinary Arts philosophy - where learning extends from classroom theory to real-world application.

Two Students, One Cultural Vision Representing SSCANS Pune, Abbas Salehpour and Ruchir Kulkarni stepped into the arena not just as competitors - but as storytellers of India’s culinary diversity.

Their task: prepare a complete traditional Bhojan within 2.5 hours.

Their menu:

• Paan ke Kebab
• Khatta Dham
• Kali Till ki Murgh
• Dhul Bhatti ki Roti
• Joha Chaval
• Ras Shirvale

Each dish reflected the depth of India's culinary arts, showcasing regional authenticity, sustainability, and refined technique - skills honed through one of the most respected chef courses in India.

Why SSCANS Stands Out in Culinary Education What made this victory possible?

It wasn’t just talent - it was training shaped by:

• A curriculum rooted in Indian food heritage
• Strong mentorship from experienced faculty
• Exposure to real industry environments
• Integration of culinary arts courses, food science, and hospitality management

As part of the Symbiosis ecosystem, SSCANS carries forward a legacy of academic excellence - making it a preferred choice for students exploring careers in culinary, chef courses, and B.Sc. in Hotel Management pathways.

Recognition at the Highest Level The jury, chaired by Chef Anil Grover, evaluated participants on technique, authenticity, innovation, and presentation.

The Chief Guest, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism & Culture, captured the essence perfectly:

“Young chefs are the torchbearers of India’s culinary heritage.”

This statement reflects exactly what SSCANS aims to build - professionals who are globally competent, yet deeply rooted in Indian traditions.

Beyond the Trophy: A Global Opportunity SSCANS Pune was declared as the National Winner. The team received gold medals, a trophy, and ₹1 lakh.

But the defining moment came next.

Chef Manjit Singh Gill announced that the winners would represent India at an International Young Chefs Competition in Bangkok (August 2026).

From a culinary arts school in Pune to an international platform - this is what careers in culinary arts can truly look like.

SSCANS: Shaping the Future of Culinary Arts in India This victory reinforces SSCANS’ position among:

• Best Culinary Arts School in Pune
• Culinary Arts Institute in Pune
• Top Culinary Institutes in India

Programs like the B.Sc. in Culinary Arts are designed not just for jobs—but for leadership roles in the global food industry.

For students exploring:

• Culinary Arts Degree in Pune
• Diploma in Culinary Arts India
• Chef Courses in India

SSCANS offers a pathway that blends culture, science, and industry exposure.

A Legacy That Continues As Indian cuisine gains global recognition, institutions like SSCANS play a crucial role in preserving and evolving this legacy.

This national win is not just an achievement—it is a reflection of what happens when:

Education + Culture + Passion = Excellence

SSCANS Pune didn’t just win a competition.
It created a showdown of Indian culinary culture on a national stage.
And this is just the beginning.

LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7419720661000138752

Blog By
Prasanna Kaley
Information Coordinator (Digital Marketing & Social Media Manager)
Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts & Nutritional Sciences (SSCANS)