Second National Culinary Challenge 2026 to Promote Nepali Cuisine Globally

Nepal’s culinary sector is set to witness one of its biggest national gatherings as the Second National Culinary Challenge Competition 2026 is scheduled to take place on May 15 and 16 at Pathibhara Culinary Art College. The competition is being jointly organized by the International Nepali Chef Society and Nepali Chef Society with the aim of promoting authentic Nepali cuisine, preserving indigenous food culture, and creating international opportunities for Nepali chefs.

The two-day culinary event is expected to bring together chefs, hospitality professionals, food enthusiasts, culinary students, and tourism stakeholders from across the country. Organizers say the competition is designed not only as a cooking contest but also as a larger initiative to promote Nepal’s culinary identity, local food heritage, and gastronomic tourism on a global platform.

According to the organizing committee, the event will place strong emphasis on showcasing traditional dishes from all seven provinces of Nepal. Indigenous ingredients and local food traditions, many of which are gradually disappearing from mainstream dining culture, will be highlighted during the competition and food festival. Traditional Nepali ingredients such as millet, buckwheat, and sisnu are expected to receive special attention as part of efforts to promote organic and heritage foods internationally.

The competition will feature multiple culinary categories, open cooking challenges, and a large-scale food festival with more than 50 food stalls offering regional and international cuisine. Visitors attending the event will have the opportunity to explore diverse flavors while experiencing Nepal’s rich culinary traditions in one venue.

Organizers have also confirmed the participation of more than ten international chefs from various countries who will serve as judges throughout the competition. Their involvement is expected to provide valuable exposure, mentorship, and international-standard evaluation opportunities for aspiring Nepali chefs and hospitality professionals.

Speaking about the event, Giriraj Bhatta said the initiative aims to create a strong international identity for Nepali cuisine while encouraging innovation and professionalism among young chefs. He emphasized that Nepal’s culinary industry has significant potential to contribute to tourism promotion, employment generation, and the commercialization of local agricultural products.

Participation in the competition will be team-based, with each competing group consisting of three members. Organizers have requested interested participants to complete registration through the society’s official process to secure their place in the competition.

The winning teams will receive cash prizes of NPR 100,000 for first place, NPR 75,000 for second place, and NPR 50,000 for third place. In addition to the prize money, all participants will be awarded medals and certificates, while each competing team will also receive a mystery box challenge during the event.

The organizers believe the culinary challenge will help position Nepal as an emerging destination for food tourism while strengthening the country’s growing hospitality and culinary industry. Media houses and journalists have also been requested to support the event through wider coverage and promotional collaboration.