Managing director of Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Kranthi Valluru with budding chefs from seven countries competing in the regional round of the 12th International Young Chef Olympiad in Hyderabad.
| Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL
Culinary heritage of the State has the potential to emerge as a major driver of global tourism, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC) managing director Kranthi Valluru said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 12th International Young Chef Olympiad 2026 held at the International Institute of Hotel Management campus in Hyderabad, she said the diverse food traditions could position Telangana strongly on the global culinary map. “Telangana has great potential for culinary tourism,” she said.
Referring to the recently launched Culinary Experiential Tourism Accelerator, Ms.Valluru said the initiative aims to groom rural entrepreneurs and connect them with global investors, chefs and innovation networks.
Participants prepared a range of dishes that were evaluated by a jury comprising culinary experts. Following the completion of the remaining regional rounds, the finalists will compete in Kolkata, where the winner will receive a cash prize of ₹15 lakh.
The competition is being held across five cities — Kolkata, Goa, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune — from February 1 to 6. The grand finale is scheduled to take place in Kolkata on February 6.
Published – February 03, 2026 08:55 pm IST
