The 12th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad 2026 (YCO26) recently concluded in Kolkata, India, with Sri Lanka proudly claiming the Bronze trophy at this prestigious global culinary competition. The event brought together students from 60 world-class culinary institutions from around the world, showcasing their talent, creativity, and passion for the culinary arts.
Sri Lanka was represented by the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM), in partnership with the William Angliss Institute (RTO 3045), Australia, on this international stage. The competition challenged participants through two intense rounds: first, following specific recipe cards, and second, creating unique dishes using a basket of provided ingredients. Each institute sent forth their culinary knight to interpret the ingredients and craft a winning dish. From the original 60 participants, only 10 competitors advanced to the Grand Finale, representing countries including Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, England, and host nation India.
Sri Lanka’s representative, Commercial Cookery student Rumira Piyasiri (CC18), rose to the occasion with months of rigorous preparation while studying for his Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521). Under the mentorship of Chef Lecturer Imeshika Silva, and with the unwavering support of the entire CAHM team, Rumira successfully secured the Bronze award, placing Sri Lanka among the top three culinary institutions in the world.
CAHM congratulates Young Student Chef Rumira Piyasiri and Chef Lecturer Imeshika Silva on this outstanding achievement.
The Young Chef Olympiad was not just about cooking. Participants were tested on their mastery of hygiene, creativity, and their ability to articulate their thought process from concept to plate. These young chefs represent the future of global hospitality, destined to lead Michelin-starred kitchens, cater to celebrities and royalty, and even establish their own restaurants.
Technology also played a key role in the competition, as contestants worked with the renowned KitchenCut Recipe and Food Costing software designed by Chef John Oliver, former Executive Chef of the iconic Burj Al Arab. This added a modern dimension to the competition, preparing students for the tech-driven future of the culinary industry.
The event was overseen by esteemed Chief Judges, including Professor David Foskett and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), the organizers of the Young Chef Olympiad. With 60 countries coming together, the competition celebrated cultural diversity and culinary excellence. Plates were judged by internationally renowned experts from elite culinary schools and luxury hotels, focusing on the blend of science, art, and engineering reflected in each dish.
The journey of the Young Chef Olympiad can be followed on its official Facebook page at facebook.com/ycolympiad, while stories of hospitality success from CAHM are available at facebook.com/lkcahm. Those aspiring to carry culinary trophies in their future are invited to visit www.cahm.lk or contact 011 7 999 800 for more information.
Caption:
Commercial Cookery student Chef Rumira Piyasiri, alongside Chef Lecturer Imeshika Silva, with the Bronze trophy from the Young Chef Olympiad 2026.
