Overview

On 26 February 2026, Kikkoman India hosted the 4th All‑India Kikkoman Cooking Contest at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Pusa campus in Delhi. The event carried the theme “Surprising Ingredient Pairings”, encouraging participants to showcase innovative dishes that highlighted the versatility of Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce.

Participants and Structure

The contest attracted 16 student chefs representing 8 culinary institutes and 18 professional chefs organized into 9 teams. All competitors worked under a strict 120‑minute time limit and were evaluated on originality, creativity, and taste.

Student Category

The student segment was won by IHM Pusa, whose entry titled “Kikkoman Chatpata Blast (Spicy Tangy Indian Chutney)” fused traditional Indian chutney spices with Kikkoman Soy Sauce, earning top marks for originality and cultural relevance. The podium placements were:

  • 1st Place: IHM Pusa
  • 2nd Place: IHM Kolkata
  • 3rd Place: IHM Mumbai

Professional Category

Professional chefs demonstrated the sauce across multiple courses. Saby's Deli secured first place, impressing judges with a visual presentation that paired soy sauce and coconut milk. The professional rankings were:

  • 1st Place: Saby's Deli
  • 2nd Place: Raashika Ki Rasoi
  • 3rd Place: Fabrica by Chef Saby

The Professional Grand Prize awarded Saby's Deli round‑trip air tickets to Japan and an exclusive tour of the Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum and the Noda Plant, intended to deepen culinary exchange between India and Japan.

Judging Panel

A distinguished panel evaluated the entries:

  • Chef Manjit Gill – President, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations & Kikkoman Industry Advisor
  • Mr. Takanori Higuchi – JETRO
  • Ms. Rinku Madan – Global Luxury & Food Writer
  • Chef Prashant Urankar – Agrostarc
  • Chef Kavindra Singh – Asia Seven
  • Ms. Mamta Bist – IHM Pusa
  • Mr. Harry Hakuei Kosato – Director, Kikkoman India
  • Mr. Shinto Mogi – Kikkoman Corporation

Organiser’s Comment

Mr. Harry Hakuei Kosato, Director and India Representative of Kikkoman, stated: “We witnessed the exact moment a new standard was born — Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce fusing with India's diverse food culture and vibrant spices. The dishes presented by IHM Pusa and Saby's Deli were true masterpieces, each embodying both surprise and harmony. Kikkoman India is confident that our three core products — Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce, Oyster Flavoured Sauce, and Dark Soy Sauce — will contribute to richer and more creative dining experiences in India. We remain committed to supporting culinary professionals and inspiring fresh innovation across hotels, restaurants, cafés, and caterers nationwide.”

Additional Information

  • Media Kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aaBxMyx-EfcZGWz0XlZ9FK-e3B0UHDtI?usp=drive_link
  • Press Contact: Chavi Singh, chavi@kikkomanindia.com, +91 86554 21677
  • Images: Contest photo and Kikkoman logo URLs provided in the release.