Top 10 culinary colleges in India, 2025

Culinary arts are much more than just cooking, it is a dynamic and evolving field that blends creativity, culture and precision. At its core, it is an expression of the human desire to nourish, innovate and celebrate food.The term ‘culinary arts’ refers to the preparation, cooking and presentation of food, encompassing everything from basic techniques to complex dishes that require years of training and experience.Culinary arts have deep roots in cultural traditions, with each region of the world offering its own unique flavours and cooking methods. For example, French cuisine is known for its emphasis on technique, with chefs mastering intricate preparations such as soufflés and sauces. Italian cuisine, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and the use of fresh, local ingredients. The ability to preserve these time-honoured techniques while integrating contemporary trends like molecular gastronomy or farm-to-table movements defines the modern culinary landscape.In the modern world, culinary arts are celebrated globally. The rise of cookery programmes on television, social media platforms and culinary competitions have made chefs and their creations more accessible to a wider audience. People are more interested than ever in the origins of food and its preparation, leading to a greater appreciation for the art behind every dish.Culinary arts are not just about feeding the body; they are about feeding the soul, bringing people together and fostering a deeper understanding of cultures. The kitchen is a place where passion and tradition meet and where the love of food can transcend borders.In this article, we take a look at the best culinary colleges in India in 2025:1. Culinary Academy of India is the first professional training school for a higher education in culinary arts founded in India. Ever since its inception in 1996, Brand CAI has matched the standards of top American and European culinary institutes. Today CAI is recognised as India’s premier culinary arts and catering technology institute, and one of the leading colleges for aspiring chefs.The Culinary Academy of India has placed many young Indians in leading food production operations globally. At the Culinary Academy of India, you can learn the latest culinary concepts, trends and nuanced cooking techniques. Advanced subjects like molecular gastronomy, sous vide, ayurvedic and vegan diets, oriental, far eastern and other international cuisines make it into the curriculum over here.Courses offered are:2. Indian Institute of Hotel Management and Culinary Arts – IIHMCA, affiliated to Osmania University, Hyderabad is a leading culinary institute in India for the past 25 years in providing world class training to its students and providing them with excellent career opportunities in the Hospitality industry in India and across the globe. It has an excellent placement track record for many years in international cruise liners like P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises, M.S.C Cruises, Princess Cruises. etc., and hotels such as Jumeirah Hotel, Dubai, Atlantis the Palm, Dubai, Taj Group of Hotels, Oberoi’s, ITC-Hotels, Marriott International, Accor, IHG.etcThe institute is affiliated to Osmania University, Hyderabad for offering 3 Yrs. Bachelors Degree programmes and the institute is affiliated to City & Guilds, UK, for offering Advanced Diploma Programmes. The programmes are designed to prepare culinary professionals with the technical skills, management training and exposure to the culinary arts that creates a well-balanced individual with many opportunities for career growthCourses offered are:3. Welcomegroup Graduate School of Hotel AdministrationEstablished in 1986 under the leadership of Dr. TMA Pai Foundation in partnership with ITC Hotels, offers students the opportunity to be part of India’s pioneering hospitality institute. Being one of the best in the business, the programmes from WGSHA ensure students are confident and well-equipped to achieve success in diverse and rewarding fields.WGSHA offers a unique programme integrating the artistic and scientific aspects of food preparation, designed by top chefs in India. Providing training in advanced cooking techniques for Indian and global cuisines, specialisations in Food Science & Innovation, Culinary Nutrition & Wellness and Restaurant Operation Management. The college prepares students for careers in food styling, culinary entrepreneurship, and cateringCourses offered are:4. IHM AURANGABADDr. Rafiq Zakaria and the Taj Group were determined to create a world-class centre in hospitality education, with the technical expertise of India’s largest global hotel chain. This partnership has grown from strength to strength over timeIndian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has a majority representation on the Board of Governors. Maulana Azad Education Trust implements and drives the operation with the Board’s support.Life at IHM-A is grounded in discipline. The focus is on grooming future hoteliers and a pride in uniforms. The spirit at IHM-A is developed by the youthful energy it sustains. Courses offered:5. IHM MUMBAIThe Institute was the first of its kind in Asia which was founded on June 27, 1954 by the All-India Women’s Central Food Council under the leadership of Smt. Lilavati Munshi who was the wife of the then food minister, KM Munshi. National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (Society) was set up in the year 1982 by Govt. of India as an autonomous body for coordinated growth and development of hospitality management education in the country. The course curriculum undergoes continuous revision and restructuring over the years keeping pace with the ever-changing industry. In fact, today’s students are trained to keep pace with the ever-changing field of Hospitality. In order to compete on an international stage in the field of Hospitality Education - modern equipment, up-to-date curriculum and dedicated faculty is essential and imperative to attain and maintain global standards.Courses offered are:6. LE CORDON BLEAUEstablished in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu stands as the largest network of culinary and hospitality schools worldwide, encompassing over 35 institutes across 20 countries. Le Cordon Bleu seamlessly integrates innovation and creativity with tradition through its comprehensive range of diplomas, bachelor's, and master's programmes.The Gurugram Campus of Le Cordon Bleu is nestled within GD Goenka University and has been training world-class professionals since 2013. The students are groomed for thriving careers across diverse fields including restaurant kitchens, catering, restaurant and hotel management, journalism, consulting, food service, food styling, and education.Courses offered are:7. APCA GURGAONAPCA is an esteemed group of Professional Culinary & Pastry Schools with Pan- Asia presence.Established in March 2015 amidst the thriving hub of Cyber City, the institute stands out as a beacon for aspiring chefs seeking an unparalleled pastry and culinary education experience.The culinary school boasts top-notch infrastructure featuring various kitchens, a dedicated student lounge, locker rooms, a store, and a separate oven area. This sets us apart and ensures an unmatched learning environment.Courses offered are:8. IICA DELHIEstablished in 2005, the Culinary & Hospitality Management Program by IICA is an ideal program for anyone who wishes to gain comprehensive training in culinary arts alongside a robust curriculum focusing on leadership and entrepreneurship. This program provides internationally recognized dual qualifications from City & Guilds, UK and BSI Learning Australia.Courses offered are:9. ISH GURGAONPart of Sommet Education, they are one of the India's finest hospitality management institutes delivering programmes with two leading higher education institutes - Ecole Ducasse, and Les Roches. Their culinary programmes are offered in partnership with École Ducasse, France and hospitality programmes are taught in alliance with Les Roches, Switzerland.They offer degree, diploma and certificate programmes in hospitality management and culinary arts at the undergraduate and postgraduate level. providing students with a global education and the opportunity to learn from renowned academicians, industry experts and researchers.Courses offered are:10. ECOLE HOTELERIE LAVASAEcole Hoteliere Lavasa is a private autonomous institute with the academic certification from the finest and oldest hospitality school – École hôtelière de Lausanne of Switzerland. École Hoteliere Lavasa, is one such attempt to partner with an important Indian industry player, Lavasa Corporation Limited, in creating an avenue for quality hospitality education within the region.Already establishing new benchmarks of excellence in hospitality education in India, Ecole Hoteliere Lavasa will nurture the best-in-class professionals, hospitality leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow with its unique curriculum, highly specialized learning facilitators and state-of-the-art facilities at their campus in Lavasa.Courses offered are:Disclaimer: The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.