Chef Yash Chhabria emerged as the first runner-up, and in a surprising twist, Chef Sandeep Sharma and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar shared the second runner-up spot.
Mumbai, 28/5/24: Callebaut, renowned for producing the Finest Belgian Chocolate, recently concluded the exhilarating finale of its flagship event, Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year 2024 (CPY ’24) in Mumbai in association with Taj Lands’ End as Hospitality Partner. The event, now in its third edition, aims to provide a platform for India’s culinary maestros to craft their signature creations and display their innovative prowess with chocolate.
The journey leading to the grand finale was nothing short of extraordinary. Talented pastry chefs and chocolatiers from across India showcased their skills and creativity, impressing judges and the Indian chef community alike with their creative use of Callebaut chocolates across bakery, pastry, and confectionery creations.
The qualifying rounds across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru revealed remarkable talent and ingenious culinary expressions. Representing their respective regions, Chef Krishanu Dey, Chef Milan Shoran, Chef Sandeep Sharma, Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef Anshul Grover, Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Chef Shashi Kiran and Chef Yash Chhabria were the eight finalists, of which Chef Vedangi Gawde, Chef de Partie, Sivako bagged the title while Chef Yash Chhabria, Pastry Cook & Co-Founder – Cacaobleu emerged as the first runner-up and Chef Sandeep Sharma, Demi Chef de Partie – JW Marriott Kolkata and Chef Nilesh Dewulkar, Pastry Chef – Sofitel BKC tied for the second runner up.
Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut Cocoa & Chocolate Ingredients India, said, “Callebaut is a preferred brand for chefs all over the world, and we are focused on enabling chefs to craft at their best. With Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year, we take a step further to provide a platform for our talented pastry chefs in India to showcase their craft to the larger community nationally and globally.
Commenting on the exceptional talent displayed in the finale, Chef Pratik Deshmukh, Head of Chocolate Academy Mumbai, expressed his excitement, stating, “Overall, we had a great turnout for the competition. We saw a lot of great ideas and techniques showcased by the participants. We had the opportunity to taste some really unique flavour combinations as well. The Chefs truly pushed their boundaries through the competition and proudly crafted their signatures.
Further, Global Callebaut Creative Lead Chef Minette Smith said, “This was my second time judging at the Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year event in India. After 2019, I can say India’s pastry skills have evolved, and the contestants didn’t make it easy for the jury to select the winner. It was really nice to see the participants express their creativity using local ingredients to Craft their signature and tell their stories. I feel all participants did their best and wish each participant the best for their future.”
About Callebaut Patissier of the Year (CPY)
Callebaut Patissier of the Year is a prestigious nationwide competition that started in 2017. It was conceptualized to challenge the chocolate creativities of Indian chefs, artisans, and other chocolate professionals. The competition is hosted by House of The Finest Belgian Chocolate, Callebaut.
The competition aims to provide a platform for pastry chefs and chocolatiers from across India to showcase their passion and creativity to an esteemed jury from across the globe and claim the title of Callebaut Pâtissier of the Year!
About Callebaut®
For more than 100 years, Callebaut® has been crafting chocolate in the heart of Belgium and is still one of the rare chocolate makers to select, roast, and grind cacao beans into its own secret and exclusive cocoa mass – the most important ingredient for chocolate couverture. Callebaut® was founded in 1850 in Wieze, Belgium, as a family brewery. Grandson Octaaf produced his first chocolate bars in 1911 and began making couverture chocolate for Belgian chocolatiers soon after.
