Raia
The Goa Culinary Club, in collaboration with the VM Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE), organised the Chef Miguel Arcanjo Competition 2025 on August 2 at the VMSIIHE campus in Raia.
The event paid tribute to Chef Miguel Arcanjo (Masci), the first Indian and Goan to serve as Executive Chef of the Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay, and a prominent figure in Indian and Goan culinary history.
Culinary authors and historians Odette Mascarenhas and Joe Mascarenhas, co-founders of the Goa Culinary Club, spearheaded the competition, which featured final-year and craft course students from hospitality institutes across Goa. Participants showcased Goan cuisine, highlighting both Hindu Saraswat and Christian culinary traditions, by preparing a three-course menu — starter, main course and dessert — within two-and-a-half hours. Dishes were judged on taste, texture, innovation, hygiene, presentation and culinary knowledge.
The winners were:
• 1st prize: Veena Kothawale : Agnel Institute of Food Craft and Culinary Sciences
• 2nd prize: Seeya Bhosle : VMSIIHE
• 3rd prize: Pinky Jai Naik : Gesto Culinary and Hospitality Academy
Prof. Irfan Mirza, Director/Principal of VMSIIHE, said the event encouraged young culinary talent while preserving cultural heritage. “Chef Miguel Arcanjo’s story is one of excellence, perseverance, and pride for Goa,” he said.
The event was organised by the VMSIIHE Culinary Committee with Chef Sangita Fernandes as Chef In-charge and Chef Sebastian Breitinger as Head of Culinary. It served as both a tribute to a culinary legend and an inspiration for the next generation of Goan chefs.
