KARACHI : CEBO Management Company organised the sixth Culinary & Hospitality Awards 2026 at Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana, bringing together professional chefs, emerging culinary talent, students, educational institutions, sponsors and hospitality industry representatives.
The event celebrated achievements across Pakistan’s food and hospitality sector, with competitions designed to recognise culinary skills, encourage innovation and promote professional development.
The awards were organised under the supervision of Chef Samia Lari, CEO and founder of CEBO Group and CEBO Management Company, celebrity chef, owner and chef of Hazel’s Cakes, and director of ECCA.
Sanjeewa Pattiwila, Consul General of Sri Lanka, attended as chief guest, adding an international dimension to the occasion.
Six Categories Showcase Culinary Talent
A major attraction was the Culinary Battle Competition, which featured six categories: International Cuisine, Pakistani Cuisine, Savoury, Fusion Desserts, Cake Artistry and a special category for competitors with Down syndrome.
In the International Cuisine category, Farhan Haseeb secured first place, followed by Fouzia Mushtaq and M. Huzaifa.
Bushra Imran won the Pakistani Cuisine category, while Asmat Hamza and Aysha Usman took second and third positions, respectively.
In the Savoury category, Sarah Noman, Palwasha Younus and Sidra Sharjeel secured the top three positions.
Sahar Aman won the Fusion Desserts category, followed by Naheed Banu and Zareen Banu.
Chef Arif claimed first place in Cake Artistry, while Simran Nadeem and Sobia Mateen finished second and third.
Inclusive Competition Recognises Diverse Abilities
The special category for competitors with Down syndrome recognised Abdul Moiz, Abdul Baqi and Talha.
The category highlighted the importance of inclusion, equal opportunities and encouragement for people with diverse abilities to participate in culinary activities and showcase their skills.
The competition was judged by Chef Faiza Tahir, Chef Muhammad Qasim, Chef Mehdi, Chef Naeem, Chef Moazzam Khan, Chef Ayesha Siddiqui and Chef Muhammad Asif.
Organisers and Educational Partners Recognised
The organising team included Chef Faiza Tahir, Chef Anbareen Conain, Chef Samia Adil, Anam Yasir, Hoorain Khan, Sana Noori, Azra Muneer and Chef Nazia Qureshi.
Academic partners recognised for their association with skills development and professional education included NITHM, Skills Valley, Scinosa, Dexter’s and Skillston.
The event also acknowledged the contributions of numerous sponsors and partner organisations from the food, hospitality, events, media, retail and creative sectors.
These included A PLANZ Events, High Spice, Chef Tech, Dreamy Delight, The Fusion Fork, GTV TV, Honest, HUM Masala, Kiran’s Cuisine, Milkyz Food, Mr. Pani, NAK & Event Co., Naya Nazimabad, Nelson Paints, Pie in the Sky, Sabiha Anees, Saniplast, Shape N Style, Sindh TV, The Moment Makers, Yusra Caters, Lakhani Rice, Keto Clan, Bizz Today, Cakes N Cake Maymar Official, MA Official, Rafia Crochet, Atiya Handi Craft, M&M Events, Nooriaura, Roomy Flowers, PTV Network and BS Photographer.
Team souvenirs were presented to Anbareen Conain, Samia Adil, Anam Yasir, Sana Noori, Hoorain Khan, Sohaib Ahmed and Azra Muneer in recognition of their contributions.
Promoting Professional Growth in Hospitality
The sixth edition of the awards highlighted the role of culinary competitions, vocational education, entrepreneurship and inclusive participation in strengthening Pakistan’s hospitality industry.
The event provided a platform for chefs and aspiring culinary professionals to demonstrate their abilities, gain recognition and connect with educational institutions and businesses.
CEBO Management Company said it remained committed to recognising talent, celebrating professional achievements and encouraging positive change across Pakistan’s culinary and hospitality sectors.
