Second National Culinary Challenge 2026 to Be Held in Jhapa, Winner to Receive Rs 100,000

Kathmandu- The second National Culinary Challenge 2026 is set to take place in Jhapa with the aim of preserving and promoting the originality, diversity, and cultural identity of Nepali cuisine at both national and international levels.

The competition will be jointly organized by the International Nepali Chef Society and the Nepal Chef Society on May 14 and 15 at Pathibhara Culinary Art College in Jhapa, organizers announced during a press conference on Thursday.Speaking at the event held at the hall of the Nepal Tourism Board, President of the International Nepali Chef Society, Arun Adhikari, expressed confidence that the competition would help connect Nepali culinary arts with professionalism, innovation, and international competitiveness.

He said the event would focus on the exploration, research, preservation, and promotion of indigenous and traditional foods from all seven provinces of Nepal“Our objective is to bring endangered and traditional dishes from different geographical regions onto a single platform while inspiring the younger generation of chefs toward creativity and innovation,” Adhikari said.

The program will feature open culinary competitions, various food contests, and a food festival. According to the organizers, the festival will host more than 50 stalls offering a wide range of local and international dishes.More than 10 experienced international chefs from different countries are expected to participate as judges. Organizers believe their involvement will provide Nepali chefs with opportunities for world-class evaluation, mentorship, and experience sharing.Speaking at the event, a senior manager of the Nepal Tourism Board said chefs are a global workforce contributing significantly to tourism and society through collaboration at the local level.

He also described expanding culinary events beyond the capital as a bold initiative that would further promote local tourism, products, and culture. He added that Nepali chefs are playing the role of true cultural ambassadors in establishing the international identity of Nepali cuisine.Organizers stated that participation in the competition requires teams of three members. Interested teams must confirm participation by depositing the registration fee into the society’s official account.The winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of Rs 100,000, while the second and third-place winners will receive Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively.

According to the organizers, the event is expected to contribute significantly to the development of the culinary sector, tourism promotion, marketing of local products, job creation, and cultural preservation.