The Amul Cooking Competition 2025 was successfully conducted today at the SOA Institute of Hotel Management, bringing together culinary enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds for a dynamic celebration of talent, innovation, and inclusivity. The event was jointly organized by Amul India, the World Trade Center (WTC) Bhubaneswar, and the SOA School of Hotel Management.

This year’s competition was held under the inspiring theme “Table to Trade”, emphasizing the journey of culinary creativity from the kitchen to commercial viability—highlighting how local culinary talent can evolve into entrepreneurial ventures and contribute to broader trade ecosystems.

With over 65 participants, the competition showcased a rich diversity of skill and originality, as contestants prepared signature dishes using Amul products, judged for flavour, presentation, and innovation.

The event was graced by notable figures from the hospitality, corporate, and development sectors:

Dr. Susanta Ranjan Chaini, Dean, SOA School of Hotel Management, attended as Guest of Honour, speaking on the institution’s commitment to enhancing hospitality education and hands-on skill development.

Mr. Viswajeet Kumar, Zonal In-Charge, Bhubaneswar Zone, Amul India, also served as Guest of Honour, applauding the inclusive nature of the competition and Amul’s mission to support both emerging and experienced culinary talent.

Chef Biswajit Moharathi, acclaimed MasterChef India Season 7 contestant, presided as Chief Judge, lending his expert evaluation to the competition.

Ms. Payal Routray, prominent food influencer, joined the judging panel, providing valuable insights on presentation and current culinary trends.

Mrs. Subhra Mishra, Head of Corporate Affairs, SPARC Private Limited, served as the Chief Guest, underlining the importance of community-driven platforms in nurturing individual empowerment and collective growth.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, WTC Bhubaneswar, who spoke about the World Trade Center’s trade promotion initiatives, and the role of such events in encouraging entrepreneurship and connecting local skills with global opportunities—echoing the event’s “Table to Trade” theme.

Dr. Rina Routray, Advisor to the WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum, also joined as Guest of Honour, elaborating on the Forum’s initiatives in empowering women through capacity-building, entrepreneurship, and outreach in the culinary and hospitality sectors.

After an intense round of cooking and evaluation, three winners were selected for their exceptional culinary performance. In addition, three participants were honoured with Jury’s Choice Awards, recognizing their creativity, innovation, and future potential.

All participants were commended for their passion, originality, and enthusiasm.

The Amul Cooking Competition 2025, under the theme “Table to Trade,” stood out not just for its culinary brilliance but also for its deeper message—bridging creativity, education, and enterprise. It

demonstrated the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and community in nurturing skill, promoting equality, and creating pathways from the kitchen to the marketplace.

The event was held on Friday, 30^th May 2025 at SOA School of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar.