Japanese Cooking Contest 2025 to Bring the Best of Japan’s Culinary Culture to Mumbai

Mumbai is set to host the Japanese Cooking Contest 2025 on December 16 at the Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management, bringing together talented Indian chefs to showcase original Japanese dishes infused with Indian flavours.

The vibrant food landscape of Mumbai is set to welcome a unique and much-anticipated culinary experience as the Japanese Cooking Contest 2025 arrives in the city on December 16, 2025. Hosted at the Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management, this event aims to deepen India’s growing appreciation for Japanese cuisine and strengthen the cultural and professional ties between India and Japan. With Japanese cuisine becoming increasingly popular across the country, the contest provides a timely platform for Indian chefs to showcase their creativity while learning about the rich traditions and techniques of Japan’s food culture.

The contest invites talented Indian chefs to create original Japanese dishes using a thoughtful combination of authentic Japanese ingredients and familiar Indian elements. The purpose of this initiative is not only to promote Japanese food culture in India but also to encourage chefs to explore new culinary directions that blend both traditions. By doing so, the event hopes to expand the presence of Japanese ingredients within India’s dynamic food and hospitality sectors, which continue to evolve rapidly.

The event will run from morning to afternoon and has been designed as an immersive learning and tasting experience. Finalists will prepare their dishes during a dedicated cooking window, followed by presentations and judging. Later in the afternoon, renowned Japanese chef Mitsutake Watanabe will lead a live cooking demonstration focused on traditional dashi preparation—a fundamental technique in Japanese cuisine. His session is expected to be one of the highlights of the day, offering participants and attendees a deeper understanding of authentic Japanese flavors and craftsmanship.

The judging panel reflects the contest’s commitment to excellence and authenticity. Chef Mitsutake Watanabe brings over two decades of experience in promoting traditional Japanese gastronomy around the world. Alongside him is Chef Nooresha Kably, one of India’s leading authorities on Japanese food and the chef behind celebrated restaurants such as IZUMI and GINKGO. Together, they will evaluate the finalists on taste, presentation, originality, and how well they integrate Japanese and Indian ingredients to create a dish that remains true to the spirit of Japanese cooking.

Five Indian chefs and culinary students have been selected as finalists for the Japanese Cooking Contest 2025, each bringing their own distinct style and experiences. Their participation reflects the growing curiosity and enthusiasm among Indian chefs for Japanese culinary methods, ingredients, and plating styles. With Japanese restaurants, cafés, and pop-ups increasing across Indian cities, the contest offers a meaningful opportunity for chefs to gain recognition and expand their expertise.

Beyond its competitive element, the event is part of a larger cultural and educational initiative to strengthen India–Japan culinary exchange. As Indian consumers become more open to global flavors, the demand for authentic Japanese ingredients—such as miso, soy sauce, bonito, nori, and Japanese rice—continues to rise. Events like the Japanese Cooking Contest 2025 help create awareness about these ingredients and demonstrate how they can be incorporated into Indian kitchens in fresh and innovative ways. For Japanese stakeholders, such collaborations also help support the expansion of Japanese food exports to India, a market with tremendous growth potential.

The contest ultimately celebrates creativity, culture, and connection. It offers a setting where chefs can experiment, learn, and tell stories through food. For Mumbai’s culinary community, it represents a rare chance to engage closely with Japanese experts and explore the growing world of Japanese cuisine in India. Whether through the artistry of dashi, the interplay of flavors, or the use of fine Japanese ingredients, the event promises to strengthen the bridge between the two cultures in one of the most meaningful ways possible—through the joy of cooking and sharing food.

The Japanese Cooking Contest 2025 is expected to attract food lovers, students, culinary professionals, and media, adding another memorable chapter to Mumbai’s vibrant and ever-evolving gastronomic journey. As India’s interest in Japanese cuisine continues to rise, this event stands as an important milestone in celebrating the flavors, techniques, and traditions that connect the two countries.