Twenty-three-year-old Aarav Mehta from Mumbai, India, has been named the winner of the Global Culinary Challenge 2025 held in Paris. Aarav impressed judges with his innovative fusion of traditional Indian spices and modern French gastronomy techniques. His signature dish, saffron-infused duck with cardamom reduction, wowed the jury with its balance of flavors and artistic presentation.
Aarav shared his excitement:
“Winning this competition is a dream come true. I hope to inspire other young chefs to blend tradition with innovation.”
The competition featured 50 contestants from 30 countries, judged by Michelin-starred chefs and culinary critics.
