Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): The Shimla Pahadi Swad Mahotsav Culinary Competition was successfully organized at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Kufri, as part of the International Shimla Summer Festival 2026.
The event celebrated Himachal Pradesh’s rich culinary heritage. Moreover, it provided a platform for participants to showcase traditional recipes, local ingredients, and innovative cooking techniques.
The competition took place under the guidance of IHM Shimla Principal Dr. Mukul Dimri. Organizers aimed to promote Himachali food culture and preserve the state’s traditional cuisine.
ADC Sachin Sharma Appreciates Participants
Additional Deputy Commissioner Shimla Sachin Sharma attended the event as the chief guest.
During the Shimla Pahadi Swad Mahotsav Culinary Competition, he praised the participants for their creativity, cooking skills, and efforts to preserve traditional Himachali dishes.
Furthermore, he stated that such events help promote the cultural and culinary identity of Himachal Pradesh at a broader level.
He also congratulated all participants and encouraged them to continue promoting local food traditions.
Expert Jury Evaluates Entries
The organizers appointed experienced professionals to ensure fair and high-quality evaluation.
Prashant Vijeta, Head of Department at IHM Shimla, and Senior Lecturer Yatharth Chauhan served as coordinators and judges. In addition, Nand Lal, retired General Manager of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), joined the judging panel as an expert evaluator.
As a result, participants received detailed assessment from professionals with extensive experience in hospitality and tourism.
Traditional Dishes Receive High Praise
The judging panel highly appreciated the traditional dishes presented during the Shimla Pahadi Swad Mahotsav Culinary Competition.
Moreover, judges praised participants for using local ingredients effectively while maintaining authenticity in their recipes.
They also highlighted the quality of presentation and the effort to preserve regional food traditions. According to the judges, the dishes reflected the richness of Himachal Pradesh’s culinary heritage.
30 Participants Showcase Culinary Talent
A total of 30 participants competed in the event.
Contestants presented a variety of traditional Himachali dishes along with innovative culinary creations. Furthermore, judges evaluated entries based on taste, presentation, originality, hygiene, and technical skills.
The competition attracted participants from different backgrounds and showcased the growing interest in promoting regional cuisine.
13 Participants Qualify for Next Round
After a detailed evaluation process, judges selected 13 participants for the next stage of the competition.
Among the selected contestants:
- 5 belong to Self-Help Groups under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
- 1 participant represents the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM).
- 7 participants qualified under the Open Category.
Consequently, these finalists will move forward in the Shimla Pahadi Swad Mahotsav Culinary Competition.
Final Round to Be Held at Rani Jhansi Park
The selected participants will set up food stalls at Rani Jhansi Park from June 8 to June 12.
During this period, they will showcase their culinary expertise before visitors and judges. Furthermore, the final round of the competition will take place at the venue.
After the completion of the event, judges will select the overall winner based on performance, authenticity, presentation, and public appeal.
Promoting Himachal’s Culinary Heritage
The Shimla Pahadi Swad Mahotsav Culinary Competition serves as an important initiative to preserve and promote Himachal Pradesh’s food traditions.
Moreover, it encourages local communities, self-help groups, and culinary enthusiasts to showcase regional flavors on a larger platform.
As a result, the competition not only celebrates food but also supports tourism, cultural preservation, and local entrepreneurship.
Key Points of the news:
- Shimla Pahadi Swad Mahotsav Culinary Competition held at IHM Kufri.
- ADC Sachin Sharma attended as chief guest.
- Thirty participants showcased traditional Himachali cuisine.
- Judges selected 13 contestants for the next round.
- Final competition will take place at Rani Jhansi Park from June 8 to 12.
