About IKA/Culinary Olympics
Anyone who has ever attended the IKA/Culinary Olympics will always remember it’s special flair and the feeling that makes this event so unique. No other international competition for chefs is as diverse, comprehensive and exciting as the mega event in Stuttgart. The IKA/Culinary Olympics bring together the most talented culinary artists from all over the world – a ‘once in a lifetime’ event that has been repeated every four years since 1900.
Divided into different categories, talented chefs with a particular passion for the competition meet at the Culinary Olympics. They face up to their competitors and the attentive jury of experts, show award-winning creations on the plates and start culinary trends .
The competition calls for maximum concentration and a great deal of know-how. Additionally, on the way to the podium, creative achievements count at least as much as cleanliness, hygiene and sustainability in the workplace. And: TIn the team categories, team spiritis often decisive when it comes to winning.
Caps, magic and menus: a unique cooking experience
There is always a hint of magic in the air when the kitchen masters step up to the stove. Quick, precise work and the beauty of the culinary creations are combined in breathtaking moments to form superb culinary art. The question is: will this work withstand the probing glances of the jury members? Visitors will be able to experience how this is done – and see the boundless jubilation of the winners – at close quarters.
- 29 national senior teams – Olympic champion: Norway
- 24 junioryouth teams – Olympic champion: Sweden
- 32 regional teams – IKA Cup Winner: Le Cercle des Chefs de Cuisine Lucerne
- 28 community catering teams – Olympic champion: NATIONAL CATERING TEAM OF DENMARK
- 800 individual exhibitors
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- 2016: Singapore
- 2012: Sweden
- 2008: Norway
- 2004: Sweden
- 2000: Sweden
- 1996: Switzerland
- 1992: Canada
- 1988: Switzerland
- 1984: Canada
- 1980: Germany
- 1976: Switzerland
- 1972: Japan
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Welcome to the largest international event of culinary arts
This is where Olympic spirit meets culinary highlights: The IKA/Culinary Olympics attracts the international culinary elite to join the world’s largest, oldest and most multi-faceted culinary art exhibition. Professional chefs from all over the world compete individually or in teams in a fair competition. As the organiser of the event, the German Chefs’ Association (VKD) provides talented chefs with a stage and the opportunity to showcase their potential. The participants keep creating new trends on the plates and the atmosphere of the cooking spectacle will be remembered by teams and guests for a long time.
The fascination surrounding this top-class event has a long tradition, with the Culinary Olympics having been a highlight for the global cooking community for almost 125 years and an integral part of our own association’s history. In 2020, the IKA/Culinary Olympics took place for the first time in Stuttgart, parallel to the Intergastra. For the 26th edition, the Baden-Württemberg capital will once again open its trade fair doors. When the teams cook for Olympic gold in the glass kitchens, visitors will be able to watch them up close and fans from all over the world will be able to follow the Olympic experience via the ‘IKA TV’ live stream.
We are delighted to be hosting the international culinary world once again from 2 to 7 February 2024. We invite you to celebrate numerous emotional and culinary highlights with us; and we look forward to you being there.
Best regards,
Daniel Schade
President of Verband der Köche Deutschlands e. V. (VKD)
(German Chefs‘ Association)
