In the world of culinary arts and hospitality, classrooms build foundations — but real kitchens build professionals.
Taking this philosophy forward, the International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA) recently organised an immersive industry exposure visit to the iconic Shangri-La Eros New Delhi — offering students a rare opportunity to witness luxury hotel operations from the inside.
A Morning Inside One of Delhi’s Premier Luxury Hotels
The visit began promptly at 9:00 AM as students from the Culinary & Hospitality Management (January 2026 Batch) and Pastry & Hospitality Management (January 2026 Batch) arrived dressed in their ceremonial chef coats — a proud moment symbolising their transition from students to aspiring professionals.
Welcomed at the staff entrance by Ms. Ishita Vashisht, HR Manager – Learning & Development, the group received a formal orientation conducted by Ms. Yuvika Gogai alongside Ms. Vashisht. The session introduced students to the hotel’s operational framework, professional hierarchy, and service standards that define global luxury hospitality.
For many students, this was their first real glimpse into the structured precision that powers a five-star hotel.
Behind the Scenes: Where Culinary Precision Meets Operational Excellence
Under the supervision of Chef Prashant Kumar, Junior Sous Chef at IICA, students were guided through key operational departments, including:
Industrial kitchen infrastructure
Main production kitchens
Bakery division
Workflow management systems
Hygiene and food safety protocols
High-capacity professional equipment usage
Observing large-scale kitchen coordination in real-time allowed students to understand something no textbook can fully capture — the rhythm, discipline, and seamless teamwork required in a luxury hotel kitchen.
They witnessed how departments synchronise, how mise en place becomes mission-critical, and how quality control is embedded into every process.
Why Industry Exposure Matters in Culinary Education
Chef Virender S. Datta, Founder of IICA, emphasised the importance of practical immersion:
“Industry exposure plays a vital role in shaping a student’s professional outlook. When learners step into a working luxury hotel kitchen, they gain a clear understanding of discipline, systems, and standards that cannot be replicated in classrooms alone.”
This philosophy aligns with global hospitality training standards — where experiential learning bridges the gap between theory and execution.
Adding to this, Arjun S. Datta, Managing Director & COO of IICA, shared:
“Direct interaction with hotel teams and live operations allows students to understand expectations, responsibilities, and career pathways within the industry, making their transition from institute to workplace far more seamless.”
For hospitality aspirants, this kind of exposure builds:
Professional confidence
Operational awareness
Industry discipline
Career clarity
IICA: Shaping Global Culinary Careers
The International Institute of Culinary Arts has consistently positioned itself as one of India’s foremost institutes for culinary and hospitality education.
Recognised by the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council of India, IICA maintains global affiliations with:
City & Guilds
World Association of Chefs’ Societies
BSI Learning Australia
The institute also holds academic collaborations with:
Kyoto Culinary Art College (Japan)
Kyoto Pastry & Bakery Art College (Japan)
With a strong alumni network of over 3,000 professionals placed across leading hospitality establishments worldwide, many graduates now occupy senior leadership roles in luxury hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, and international culinary ventures.
In recognition of its contribution to skill development and employment generation, IICA was awarded the FICCI Higher Education Excellence Award 2025 for Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship (Private) and was named Best Culinary Institute in India 2025 at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards.
Experiential Learning: The Future of Hospitality Education
In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, institutes that prioritise industry integration create stronger, more confident professionals.
Through regular collaborations with leading luxury brands like Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, IICA ensures students don’t just learn hospitality — they experience it.
Because in hospitality, excellence isn’t taught.
It’s observed, practiced, and perfected.
And that journey often begins inside a real kitchen.
