IICA’s ‘Culinary Confluence’: When Diplomacy Met India’s Flavours in New Delhi

In the heart of New Delhi’s vibrant Hauz Khas Village, an extraordinary cultural exchange unfolded—one that blended spices, stories, and international friendships. The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA) hosted ‘Culinary Confluence’, a unique workshop where diplomats from nine countries stepped into the world of Indian gastronomy, not as guests but as enthusiastic participants.

Designed as part of the Prelude Series leading up to Diplomatic Nite 2025, the experience was all about creating bonds beyond formal handshakes—through food, flavours, and shared moments inside a bustling kitchen.

A Global Gathering Inside an Indian Kitchen

Diplomats and senior representatives from Kenya, Thailand, Lesotho, Moldova, Bangladesh, Ecuador, Palestine, Yemen, Germany, and Panama came together for an afternoon that felt warm, personal, and beautifully immersive.

Led by Executive Chef Sumit Gupta and IICA’s experienced faculty, the workshop transformed the institute’s main kitchen into a culinary playground. From slicing to sautéing, diplomats rolled up their sleeves and prepared three iconic dishes:

• Mutton Dum Biryani – inspired by Lucknow’s royal Nawabi heritage

• Mirchi Baigan ka Salan – a Hyderabadi classic with bold, smoky flavours

• Burani Raita – a cooling yogurt dish that balances rich Indian spices

The atmosphere was filled with laughter, curiosity, and the delightful aroma of slow-cooked biryani.

Food as a Bridge—A Beautiful Diplomatic Message

What made this workshop truly special was the philosophy behind it.
As Chef Virender Singh Datta, Founder & Chairman of IICA, beautifully expressed:

“Every cuisine carries the soul of its culture… the essence of diplomacy, like cooking, lies in collaboration, respect, and understanding.”

Diplomats not only cooked together but also shared personal stories, cultural nuances, and culinary memories from their home countries—proving that food is one of the world’s most powerful connectors.

Linda Hawke of The Diplomatist, the driving force behind the Prelude Series, summed it up perfectly:
“Diplomacy flourishes when we sit together, laugh together, and taste together.”

A Thoughtful Initiative by IICA

Arjun Datta, Managing Director of IICA, highlighted the deeper vision:
“Culinary Confluence is not merely a workshop—it is a cultural bridge.”

Instead of watching Indian cuisine from a distance, diplomats learned by doing—chopping, cooking, and tasting. This hands-on approach allowed them to experience Indian culinary heritage in the most intimate way.

Celebrating Global Friendship Through Flavours

The workshop concluded with an informal tasting session, where participants shared reflections on food heritage and the role of cuisine in global relationships. Smiles, conversations, and cultural pride filled the room.

Every diplomat received a Certificate of Participation, marking their flavorful journey into Indian cuisine.

About IICA – Two Decades of Culinary Excellence

Established in 2005, IICA has grown into India’s foremost culinary institute, offering globally recognised programs in Culinary and Patisserie Arts.

With international collaborations across City & Guilds (UK), BSI Learning Australia, WACS (Paris), Kyoto Culinary Art College, and more, the institute has built a strong reputation for world-class training, grounded in tradition and enriched with innovation.

For 20 years, IICA has shaped aspiring chefs into industry leaders—spreading Indian culinary artistry across restaurants, hotels, and food businesses worldwide.