The International Institute of Gastronomy (IIG), Nepal proudly announces the appointment of Chef Vivek Saggar, one of India’s most celebrated chefs, consultants, and skill development leaders, to its Advisory Committee. This partnership is particularly special because, under the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Chef Saggar will serve exclusively with IIG in Nepal, making this collaboration a first of its kind in the country’s culinary education landscape.

About Chef Vivek Saggar: A Trailblazer in Culinary Arts & Skill

Chef Vivek Saggar’s life and career is a testament to what can be achieved when talent, dedication, and vision come together.

Educational & Professional Foundations

  • Trained at the Institute of Hotel Management, Ahmedabad, one of India’s premier hospitality education institutions.
  • Began his career in top‐tier hotel groups including ITC Welcome Group, Hyatt Regency, and The Taj Group, where he honed his skills in every facet of food & beverage operations—from classical technique to large‐scale banquets.

Entrepreneurship & Consultancy

  • In 1988 founded Food Art, a consultancy that provides kitchen design, menu innovation, kitchen infrastructure planning, and staff training. This venture has influenced many hotels, restaurants, and clubs across India.

Mentorship & National / Global Competitions

  • Has played a pivotal role in WorldSkills India as Vice President – Competitions (under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship).
  • Under his mentorship (2017-2024), Indian teams have won Silver, Bronze medals and Medallions of Excellence in areas such as Confectionery, Patisserie, Cooking, Hotel Reception, Restaurant Services, and Bakery.
  • He has delivered transformative masterclasses, workshops, and curriculum consultations, helping students, faculty, and professionals align with global standards.

Awards, Recognition, Media & Policy Influence

  • Multiple awards including:
     • Silver Hat Award from Indian Culinary Forum
     • Outstanding Contribution to Skill Competitions – Chef Awards 2023
     • Outstanding Contribution Award from Association of Hospitality Professionals (2014)
     • Bronze Medal – World Chef Battlefield, Malaysia
  • Media presence as judge & mentor on MasterChef India (Seasons 1-3), and contributor to other channels, guest‐lecturer roles, print and television appearances.
  • Leadership / policy roles: General Secretary – Indian Culinary Forum; involvement in developing industry standards and organizing national competitions.
  • Academic & Accreditation Expertise: As CTH UK Brand Ambassador, Chef Saggar has guided institutes in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia in achieving international culinary accreditation and certification.

IIG & the New MOU: What This Means

With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), IIG and Chef Vivek Saggar have formalized their partnership. Under the MOU:

  • Chef Vivek will serve as a member of IIG’s Advisory Committee, bringing his decades of experience to guide curriculum design, skill training programs, mentorship, and evaluation standards.
  • He will support faculty development, helping instructors at IIG adopt international best practices and mentor students to compete on stages beyond Nepal.
  • He will assist in benchmarking assessment and competition readiness, helping IIG students prepare for regional and global culinary & hospitality competitions (similar to WorldSkills).
  • He will advise on kitchen infrastructure design, menu development & innovation, ensuring that IIG’s training kitchens and program offerings remain cutting‐edge and aligned with evolving industry needs.

He may also support in building industry linkages, helping IIG establish partnerships with hotels, restaurants, appliance brands, and other stakeholders for placements, technology adoption, and real-world exposure for students.

Why This Appointment Matters for IIG & Our Community

Chef Vivek Saggar’s appointment is not just an honor—it brings real, strategic benefits:

  • Elevated training quality, as his mentorship ensures that both faculty and students gain skills and discipline matching international standards.
  • Stronger competition performance, as IIG learners will be better prepared to participate and excel in national and international skill contests.

Innovation and relevance, through his insight into design, menu trends, kitchen efficiency, and hospitality technologies.

Words from Chef Vivek Saggar

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Vivek Saggar shared:

“It is an honour to be appointed as an advisor to this esteemed culinary institution in Nepal. I look forward to contributing to the growth of young culinary talent, sharing global best practices, and celebrating the incredible richness of Nepali cuisine. Together, we can shape a future where tradition meets innovation on every plate”

Words from Sharon Adhikari, Co-Founder & CEO of IIG

Welcoming Chef Vivek Saggar, Sharon Adhikari, Co-Founder and CEO of IIG, expressed:

“Chef Vivek Saggar’s appointment marks a milestone for IIG. His wealth of experience, from leading WorldSkills India to shaping culinary policy and education, will be invaluable to our mission. We believe his mentorship will not only elevate the standards of culinary training in Nepal but also open new opportunities for our students globally. At IIG, we are committed to redefining culinary education, and Chef Saggar’s guidance will accelerate our journey.”

An Exclusive Milestone for Culinary Education in Nepal

Chef Vivek Saggar’s appointment to the Advisory Committee of IIG marks a significant moment for the future of culinary education in Nepal. With this exclusive partnership, IIG is honored to be the sole institute in the country guided by his global expertise, mentorship, and industry insight

We at IIG are excited to embark on this journey with Chef Vivek Saggar. Over the next months, we will begin implementing joint workshops, mentorship sessions, curriculum reviews, infrastructure planning, and competition training programs. Our goal is to ensure that every IIG student not only learns cooking and hospitality but becomes a culinary leader ‒ confident, creative, competitive, and globally aware.

This collaboration reflects IIG’s steady commitment to nurturing talent, raising standards, and strengthening Nepal’s place in the regional culinary landscape. We warmly welcome Chef Vivek Saggar into the IIG family and look forward to the inspiration and guidance his presence will bring.