Chennai — The Residency Group of Hotels has clinched the coveted Overall Champion – Best Hotel Team title at the South India Chef’s Association (SICA) culinary competition, held at the Chennai Trade Centre. The three-day event, hailed as Asia’s largest culinary competition, brought together over 3,200 chefs from six countries, including seasoned professionals and budding culinary students.
The Residency Group’s contingent — 55 chefs across both culinary and service teams — competed in 22 diverse categories, ranging from Plated Appetizer and Regional Cuisine to Wedding Cakes, Plated Desserts, Petit Fours, Innovative Biryani, Cocktails and Mocktails, Artistic Pastry Showpieces, and intricate Butter or Margarine Carvings.
Their impressive performance yielded a medal haul of 8 Gold, 21 Silver, and 30 Bronze awards, earning them the top honour among participating hotel teams.
The event was judged by an expert panel of 22 culinary professionals from nine different countries, adding an international benchmark to the competition’s high standards.
The Residency Group’s victory was credited in large part to the meticulous preparation led by Chef Manoj and Chef John Milton, who guided the team through a month of intensive training. Their mentorship, focused on refining techniques and building confidence under pressure, proved instrumental in the team’s success.
“This achievement is a reflection of the passion, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our culinary team,” said Ajeeth Janardhanan, Culinary Director of The Residency Group of Hotels. “From the first day of training to the final presentation, our chefs displayed not only technical brilliance but also creativity and teamwork. Winning the Overall Champion title at SICA is a proud moment for us and a testament to the high standards we uphold across our kitchens.”
With this landmark win, The Residency Group of Hotels has further solidified its position as a major force in South India’s hospitality industry and a leader in culinary innovation.
