A Defining Moment for Culinary Education in Nepal

The International Institute of Gastronomy (IIG) has always stood for more than just training young chefs, we stand for bridging the gap between education and industry. On 2nd September 2025, we took another bold step in this mission by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF), India’s most respected association of professional chefs.

This partnership is not only about collaboration — it is about shaping the future of culinary talent in South Asia.

The Legacy of the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF)

For over three decades, the Indian Culinary Forum has been the backbone of India’s professional chef community. Through its knowledge summits, culinary festivals, and international competitions, ICF has consistently created platforms for chefs to gain recognition, refine their skills, and connect with global gastronomy.

By setting benchmarks in professional development, ICF has raised the visibility of Indian cuisine on the world stage while also nurturing the next generation of chefs.

What the MoU Envisions

The collaboration between IIG and ICF is designed to create real, tangible opportunities for our students and faculty. Under this MoU, both institutions will work together to:

  • Open doors for IIG students to observe and participate in ICF culinary competitions and events.
  • Bring leading Indian chefs to Nepal for guest lectures, masterclasses, and faculty interactions.
  • Facilitate joint workshops and cultural exchanges to celebrate the rich food heritage of India and Nepal.
  • Build stronger industry linkages for placements, internships, and exposure in reputed properties across India.

Why This Partnership Matters for IIG

At IIG, we don’t just prepare our students for the classroom; we prepare them for the global hospitality stage. Our CTH-accredited curriculum already ensures that students are trained to international standards. This MoU takes that promise one step further by providing industrial exposure at a cross-border level.

Nepal on the South Asian Culinary Map

This collaboration is also about national pride. For the first time, a culinary institute from Nepal is joining hands with India’s premier chef association in such an impactful way. It places Nepal’s young culinary talent firmly on the South Asian map of gastronomy and strengthens our role in shaping the region’s hospitality industry.

Voices of the Collaboration

  • “The signing of this MoU between ICF and IIG is more than a formal agreement, it’s a bridge between two rich culinary cultures. Together, we’re not only empowering young chefs through shared knowledge and training, but also preserving and promoting the diverse gastronomic traditions of India and Nepal on a global platform,” said Chef Vivek Saggar, General Secretary, ICF.
  • “At IIG, we do not just observe the gaps between culinary training and industry requirements, we take initiatives to close them. Our CTH-accredited programs, combined with international collaborations like this MoU with ICF, provide students with unmatched exposure and opportunities to become globally competitive culinary professionals,” said Sharon Adhikari, CEO, IIG Nepal.

Beyond the MoU: An Exclusive Partnership for the Future

This MoU is more than a document, it is an exclusive commitment. A commitment to giving students the best of both worlds: academic rigor and real-world industry exposure. Over the next three years, IIG and ICF will work together to ensure that young chefs from Nepal and India are not just well-trained, but also globally competitive and industry-ready.

For IIG, this is yet another milestone in our mission to be at the forefront of culinary education and innovation in Nepal.