Developing Nepal’s Next Generation of Culinary Leaders
The Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality (CTH), United Kingdom, is pleased to congratulate the International Institute of Gastronomy (IIG), Kathmandu, Nepal, on its recognition as a CTH Centre of Excellence. This recognition marks an important milestone in IIG’s journey and reflects a shared commitment to delivering high-quality culinary education, internationally benchmarked qualifications, industry-relevant skills and meaningful career pathways for aspiring culinary professionals in Nepal.
Since its establishment in 2021, IIG has worked with a clear purpose: to strengthen the standard of culinary education in Nepal by combining intensive practical training, professional industry exposure and internationally recognised qualifications. The recognition of IIG as a CTH Centre of Excellence further reinforces this commitment and represents the growing collaboration between CTH and IIG in creating opportunities for Nepal’s next generation of culinary professionals.
Together, CTH and IIG share a vision of enabling students to build strong foundations in Nepal while developing the skills, qualifications and confidence to pursue opportunities anywhere in the world.
Bringing International Culinary Education to Nepal
The International Institute of Gastronomy was established with the vision of developing confident, skilled and globally competitive culinary professionals from Nepal. At IIG, culinary education extends beyond learning recipes and techniques. Students train in professional kitchen environments, develop practical competence through extensive hands-on learning and are exposed to the discipline, teamwork, communication and professional standards expected in the hospitality industry.
Through its association with CTH, IIG is strengthening this vision by giving students in Nepal access to internationally recognised culinary qualifications and a learning framework benchmarked against UK standards.
British Qualifications with National Recognition
CTH is a UK-based awarding organisation specialising in qualifications for the hospitality, culinary and tourism sectors. Relevant CTH qualifications are regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in the United Kingdom. At IIG, students undertaking the CTH Level 2 Diploma in Culinary Skills and CTH Level 2 Diploma in Patisserie & Confectionery Skills have the opportunity to develop professional knowledge and practical competencies aligned with international hospitality standards.
IIG’s flagship training pathway also integrates recognition through Nepal’s Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), creating an important connection between international qualification standards and Nepal’s national technical and vocational education framework. This combination provides students with a strong foundation from which to pursue careers, entrepreneurship and further professional development in Nepal and internationally.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
A defining part of the IIG experience is its emphasis on practical and industry-oriented education. Flagship programs combine intensive hands-on training with extended industry exposure, allowing students to experience the expectations and working environment of professional hospitality establishments.
Through relationships with hotels, restaurants and hospitality organisations, students are provided opportunities for internships, industry interaction and career exposure that help bridge the transition from culinary student to working professional. IIG also provides career assistance and professional development support, recognising that technical ability alone is not enough to build a successful career.
The objective is not simply to train students to cook, but to help develop capable, disciplined and confident culinary professionals.
Creating Culinary Leaders from Nepal
Nepal has a growing generation of young people who aspire to build careers within the international hospitality industry. IIG believes that global opportunity should not require students to compromise on the quality of their foundational training at home.
By bringing internationally benchmarked culinary education, state-of-art infrastructure, experienced faculty and industry exposure together in Kathmandu, IIG is working to create an environment where aspiring chefs can begin developing global capabilities while studying in Nepal.
Its vision is captured in a simple ambition:
To develop Culinary Leaders worth following.
Whether graduates choose to build careers in Nepal, pursue opportunities internationally, continue their education or establish their own restaurants, cafés, bakeries and hospitality ventures, IIG aims to provide the professional foundation from which those journeys can begin.
Building Skills, Careers and Entrepreneurship
Culinary education has the potential to create opportunities far beyond conventional employment. Through its flagship programs, specialised culinary courses, bakery and patisserie training, professional workshops and industry engagement, IIG supports learners at different stages of their professional journey from individuals taking their first steps into a kitchen to aspiring entrepreneurs and working professionals seeking specialised skills.
This approach contributes to the broader development of Nepal’s skilled hospitality workforce while encouraging young people to see vocational education as a credible pathway towards employment, entrepreneurship and international careers.
Connecting Students with the Global Hospitality Industry
The association between CTH and IIG strengthens the connection between culinary education in Nepal and the wider international hospitality ecosystem.
Through CTH qualifications, industry engagement, internship opportunities and career assistance, students develop not only culinary competence but also an understanding of the professional standards and expectations of the global hospitality industry.
This connection is further strengthened through CTH Gold Employers hospitality organisations recognised by CTH for their commitment to supporting CTH students and graduates through employment, career development and industry opportunities. Access to the wider CTH ecosystem, alongside IIG’s own growing network of hospitality partners, helps create stronger links between education and the professional world.
Career outcomes remain a central part of the IIG experience. More than 90% of IIG graduates have been absorbed into hospitality establishments across Nepal, reflecting the institute’s strong emphasis on employability, practical competence and industry readiness. Beyond Nepal, more than 50% of IIG graduates have also received rewarding international career opportunities in destinations including Australia, the Middle East and Europe, supported through IIG’s Career Assistance services and its network within the global hospitality industry.
From internships and first employment opportunities in Nepal to career pathways across international hospitality markets, IIG continues to build an ecosystem that supports students beyond the classroom and throughout the early stages of their professional journey.
The goal is to develop graduates who are prepared to enter professional kitchens with the right combination of skills, discipline, confidence and ambition and to provide them with the industry connections and career support needed to turn those capabilities into meaningful opportunities.
From Nepal to the Global Hospitality Industry.
Congratulations to the Leadership and Team at IIG
Special recognition is extended to Ms. Sharon Adhikari, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute of Gastronomy, whose leadership, vision and continued commitment have played a significant role in shaping IIG since its establishment in 2021.
As CEO, Ms. Adhikari has led the institution’s growth with a strong focus on advancing the standards of culinary and vocational education in Nepal, building international academic and industry relationships, strengthening career pathways for students, and developing an institution that connects quality skills training with meaningful professional opportunities.
Recognition is also extended to Ms. Jyoti Kafle and Mr. Manoj Sapkota, Co-Founders of IIG, whose shared entrepreneurial vision and commitment have been integral to the institution’s foundation and continued development. Together with IIG’s leadership team, chef instructors and wider community, they have contributed to building an institution driven by quality, opportunity and a shared belief in the potential of skills-based education.
Together, the Co-Founders’ vision of building an internationally oriented culinary institution in Nepal grounded in practical education, strong industry engagement and global exposure continues to create new possibilities for aspiring culinary professionals and contribute to the development of Nepal’s hospitality talent.
“Heartiest congratulations to the entire International Institute of Gastronomy team on its continued commitment to advancing culinary education in Nepal. IIG’s emphasis on practical skills, professional standards, industry exposure and internationally recognised qualifications reflects a shared vision for developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Through our association, we look forward to supporting more aspiring culinary professionals from Nepal in developing the skills, knowledge and confidence required to pursue their ambitions within an increasingly global hospitality industry.”
FROM NEPAL TO THE WORLD
The association between CTH, United Kingdom and the International Institute of Gastronomy, Nepal represents more than an academic collaboration.
It represents a shared belief in the power of vocational education to transform aspirations into capabilities and capabilities into opportunities.
Skills • Standards • Careers • Entrepreneurship • Global Opportunities
As IIG continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to strengthen culinary education in Nepal, connect training more closely with industry and create a platform from which Nepal’s next generation of culinary professionals can confidently step into the world.
