Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral
Panaji, February 3, 2026:
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte welcomed student delegates representing Sweden, Portugal, Jordan, the Philippines, India, Uganda and Nepal, who are participating in the 12th International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026. The interaction reflected Goa’s growing engagement with global culinary and cultural platforms.
During the meeting, the delegates presented their national flags to the Minister as a symbolic gesture of friendship, cultural exchange and international goodwill, reinforcing the spirit of culinary diplomacy that underpins the Young Chef Olympiad.
The interaction took place on the sidelines of YCO 2026, which opened in Bengaluru with a grand inaugural ceremony marked by global participation and culinary showcases. With young chefs and mentors from over 40 countries participating, the Olympiad has emerged as one of the world’s largest platforms for nurturing emerging culinary talent and fostering people-to-people connections through food and hospitality.
Speaking during the interaction, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte noted that such global engagements align with Goa’s vision of tourism as a medium for meaningful cultural exchange. He said that culinary traditions, like travel, have the ability to transcend borders and promote understanding, collaboration and mutual respect among communities.
The delegates expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and the opportunity to engage with Goa’s tourism leadership, noting that the exchange symbolised unity through diversity and shared cultural values.
Conceived in India and now recognised globally, the International Young Chef Olympiad continues to serve as a platform where cuisine, culture and camaraderie converge. As the competition progresses across multiple cities, interactions such as these reinforce the role of hospitality and food as powerful tools for global connection.
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