Battle of the Chefs 2026
CulinaryChallenge
Witness Asia's largest culinary battlefield, where over 3,000 professional chefs compete for the region's most prestigious honors in a display of pure skill and passion.
The Largest Culinary Stage in Asia
The Culinary Challenge at Culinary Art Food Expo 2026 is a World Association of Chefs' Societies (Worldchefs) endorsed competition. It serves as the primary grooming ground for Sri Lankan talent, who have collectively won over 250 international awards.
3,000
+Competing Chefs
30
+Award Categories
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Worldchefs
Endorsed
Forward to Culinary Art Food Expo 2026
On behalf of the chairman and the organizing committee, we are honored to host the 23rd Culinary Art Food Expo 2026 – Southeast Asia's premier food and hospitality tradeshow – from November 27th to 29th, 2026, at the BMICH Exhibition Centre in Colombo. This annual event brings together over 3,000 competitors on a single platform, showcasing culinary excellence and fostering creativity.
We warmly invite all chefs and F&B professionals in Sri Lanka, along with our international friends from across Southeast Asia, to join us for Culinary Art Food Expo 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, exchange experiences, and learn at this prestigious culinary event.
As Sri Lanka’s only professional and Recognized chefs’ association dedicated to promoting culinary excellence, we are committed to showcasing the skills and talents of chefs, cooks, pastry chefs, and apprentices from both local and international backgrounds. This event offers an ideal platform for industry professionals to demonstrate their culinary expertise, gain valuable experience, and foster communication within the regional culinary community.
This annual event has been the platform in identifying the talents of the young chefs who have been selected for many international events such as the World Culinary Food Olympics in Germany and the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg.
We are pleased to offer a variety of competition categories where participants can display their skills and passion in a professional environment. To ensure fairness and accuracy, Worldchefs-certified judges will oversee the competition. The experience you gain here will undoubtedly serve as a significant milestone in your professional journey.
The organizing committee would greatly appreciate your support in registering as early as possible due to the limited space availability. Do not miss out on this great "Battle of the Chefs 2026". We wish all competitors the best of success and a memorable experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to Culinary Art Food Expo 2026!
Notable Judges
Our expert panel consists of international masters with Worldchefs A-Grade certification, guaranteeing the highest standards of culinary evaluation.
Chef Otto Weibel
Honorary President, Worldchefs
Chef Thomas Gugler
President, World Association of Chefs' Societies
Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe
President, Chefs Guild of Lanka
Chef Rick Stephen
Continental Director Asia, Worldchefs
Chef Gissur Gudmundsson
Former President, Worldchefs
Chef Domenico Maggi
Continental Director Europe South, Worldchefs
Working Committee 2026
Chef Gerard Mendis
Chairman
Chef Chandana Wijerathna
President
Chef Madhawa Weerabaddhana
Board Member
The committee consists of leading executive chefs and industry veterans committed to delivering a world-class culinary competition that meets global standards.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Over the course of the 3-day competition, 2,000+ chefs will be using these sponsored products. Sponsor now to ensure your products are showcased to our audience!
Cooking Equipment
Ovens, Upright chillers, Gas cookers, SS tables (Returning items)
Bakery Equipment
Small dough Mixers, Racks, Deck ovens (Returning items)
Ingredients
Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Oil, Pasta, and more.
Official Apparel
40 Official Jackets and 40 Judges' professional apparel.
Meal Sponsorship
Competitor meal sponsor for breakfast and tea snacks.
Media Partnership
Newspaper, Social Media, TV, Radio coverage partners.
Partner with Excellence
Headquarters
G2/5, 2nd Floor, Govt Flats,
Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4,
Sri Lanka
Phone & Inquiries
+94 71 075 1225
chefs@sltnet.lk
Online Presence
chefsguildoflanka.orgHow to Register?
Download Form
Obtain the official registration form from our document library.
Complete Details
Select your competition categories and fill in your professional profile.
Email Submission
Submit your completed form via email to our registration team.
Confirmation
Receive your participant ID and competition schedule via email.
Registration Process
Online submission via Email
All participants must submit their registration forms directly to our official email address for processing.
Inquiries & Form Submission
Official Submission
chefs@sltnet.lk2023 Hall of Fame
Celebrating the masters and emerging talents who set the benchmark for culinary brilliance at our last edition.
Best Culinary Team
Winners List 2023
Main Award
Chef of the Year
Winners List 2023
Main Award
Best Pastry Chef
Winners List 2023
Main Award
Best Apprentice
Winners List 2023
Main Award
Official E-Magazines
Relive the most memorable moments and gain valuable industry knowledge from our past editions.
2024 Official E-magazine
A comprehensive look back at the 2024 culinary highlights and industry insights.
2025 Official E-magazine
The latest edition featuring trends, awards, and exclusive interviews from Culinary Art Food Expo 2025.