20 years ago, Virender Singh Datta, the iconic chef and hotelier who had just retired from his long and distinguished career spanning over 50 years with major Indian hotel brands and decided why not give back to the society and the profession from which he had received for so many years.
“You can’t give back a fraction of what you have received, but that does not stop you from being innovative and being a door opener for the future generation.” With this vision, he decided to create new opportunities for students aspiring to build a career in culinary arts and establish one of the leading destinations for culinary arts programs in India.
Two decades ago, Delhi NCR seemed ready for an institution offering world-class culinary knowledge and practical training. The hospitality and F&B business was rapidly growing, not just hotels, but also restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and premium dining spaces. Gathering all his resources, Mr Datta founded the International Institute of Culinary Arts, New Delhi, in the capital’s fashionable Hauz Khas Village. Today, IICA is recognised among the top names for courses to become a chef in India, like professional bakery course (Pastry and Hospitality Management) and industry-oriented culinary diploma course (Culinary and Hospitality Management).
“It was not just a school for preparing chefs. It was about opening new career opportunities for youngsters while creating skilled and trained manpower resources for the growing hospitality industry.” Over the past 20 years, IICA has emerged as a reputed culinary school in Delhi and one of the most recognised culinary schools for aspiring chefs, bakers, and hospitality professionals.
IICA has successfully trained over 4000 students who are now working in leading culinary establishments or running successful ventures of their own. The institute is recognised by the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council of India, City & Guilds, UK, and is also affiliated with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS). The WACS certification provides students with a global advantage while pursuing opportunities internationally.
IICA also collaborates with BSI Learning Australia, offering globally recognised qualifications designed to enhance career opportunities across industries. Their programs focus on practical learning and professional development, making IICA one of the few institutes in India offering internationally aligned diplomas in culinary arts and hospitality-focused learning experiences.
Further strengthening its international academic collaborations, IICA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kyoto Culinary Art College and Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College under the Taiwa Gakuen Educational Corporation, Japan. The collaboration focuses on faculty and student exchange programs, curriculum development, and exposure to Indian and Japanese culinary traditions, offering students valuable cross-cultural learning opportunities
Arjun Singh Data, Managing Director and COO at IICA and a product of Cornell University as well as the University of Manchester, says, “We don’t see ourselves just as a skill development institution. We are a knowledge hub. Anything to do with culinary arts is our domain.”
Located in Delhi’s iconic Hauz Khas Village- a hub for some of the city’s most exotic eateries and restaurants, IICA enjoys a prime Central Delhi location with easy accessibility from across Delhi NCR. It provides its students with exposure to global cuisine trends, food culture, and professional kitchen discipline- the backbone of every successful chef. This exposure makes it one of the preferred destinations for students looking for courses to be a chef in India.
IICA offers a wide range of industry-focused programs including Culinary & Hospitality Management Program, Pastry & Hospitality Management Program and Diploma in Bakery & Patisserie. The institute also offers hobby classes, short-term culinary workshops, and advanced learning opportunities for aspiring professionals. For students looking for professional chef courses like culinary arts programs or professional bakery courses in Delhi or Diploma in Bakery – Eggless, IICA combines practical learning with international exposure and industry mentorship.
IICA’s involvement goes beyond classroom learning and skill training. The institute collaborates with brands such as Whirlpool and Tupperware, whose products are tested at the IICA labs. The German Embassy relies on IICA for vetting Indian chefs travelling to Germany on assignments. IICA also works closely with the Italian, Japanese, Thai, and Australian embassies to help students gain deeper exposure to international cuisines and culinary traditions.
With strong global associations, international certifications, and hands-on industry learning, IICA has evolved beyond a traditional institute of culinary education. Today, it stands as a one-stop destination for aspiring culinary professionals, bakers, entrepreneurs, and hospitality enthusiasts.
From aspiring chefs IICA continues to shape the future of culinary education in India.
This is IICA!!