At Golden Eye Chef, we believe culinary excellence knows no bounds. Our journey began in 2019, driven by a powerful vision to empower blind and visually impaired chefs and redefine what’s possible in the kitchen. Here’s how we’ve grown into a global movement:
Goldene Eye Chef 2019
2019: A Vision Ignited
Our story began in Agra, India, with the country’s first national cooking competition exclusively for blind and visually impaired chefs. Founded by Akhil Srivastava and organized by Antardrishti, this pioneering event shattered stereotypes. Under the theme “Cooking Beyond Seeing,” 32 visually impaired chefs stepped onto a professional culinary stage, showcasing their heart and precision. Culinary icons like Chef Gautam Mehrishi and Chef Aditi Madan judged their creations.
Pioneering Winners:
Forum Lodaya (Partially Blind) – Paneer Pasta Roll
Arti Limje (Totally Blind) – Crispy Paneer Roll
“The kitchen doesn’t ask for sight—it asks for soul.“ — Chef Inder Dev
Goldene Eye Chef 2020
2020: Resilience in Crisis
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, Golden Eye Chef adapted, becoming a beacon of hope during lockdowns. We transitioned to a fully virtual format with the theme “Don’t Waste, Don’t Throw, Create New Food.” Twenty-one contestants submitted 64 video entries, demonstrating extraordinary creativity and resilience by using leftovers or minimal ingredients. This edition also introduced People’s Choice Awards via YouTube, bringing our chefs’ talents to a wider audience
Goldene Eye Chef 2021
2021: Health Meets Heritage
The third edition emphasized nutrition and well-being with the theme: “Food se Fitness – Healthy Khao, Fit Raho.” Participants crafted traditional, health-focused dishes like soups, juices, and salads across three intense phases. The top 12 finalists (equally split between fully and partially blind chefs) impressed both judges and viewers with their mastery of flavor and fitness.
Featured Winners:
Gulshan – Pumpkin Protein Soup
Sushma Gupta – Beetroot Tomato Soup
“Fitness begins not at the gym, but in the kitchen.” — Golden Eye Chef 2021
Goldene Eye Chef 2022
2022: A Global Breakthrough
2022 marked Golden Eye Chef’s pivotal international debut. Participants from India, Spain, Nepal, Guatemala, and the USA joined our virtual platform. Under a continued focus on health, 29 blind chefs submitted innovative recipes that seamlessly merged diverse cultures and culinary skill.
Major Global Winners:
Pinky Mangal (India) – Indori Usal Poha
Ángel Palacios (Spain) – Tartar with Pink Shrimp
“This contest flipped the narrative—from limitation to leadership.” — 2022 Jury Panel
Goldene Eye Chef 2023
2023: Defying Expectations
The fifth edition became a culinary bridge across continents with the theme “Traditional Dishes with Locally Sourced Ingredients.” Thirty-two chefs from 11 countries, including Uruguay, Mexico, Mauritius, and South Africa, participated, sharing their unique culinary heritage. The jury, featuring Master Chef Nazim Khan (USA) and Chef V. K. Iyer, witnessed unforgettable moments.
Standout Global Dishes:
Annpurna (India) – Veg Momos
David Bogacz (Uruguay) – Kenny’s Lamb (Jury & People’s Choice winner)
Katarzyna Bukowska (Mexico) – Green Salsa Tamales
Navina Gyawali (Nepal) – Dhido and Gundruk
Goldene Eye Chef 2024
2024: Flavor with a Purpose
Our sixth edition embraced the theme: “Easy, Affordable, and Delicious Dishes to Boost Health.” Chefs from over 10 countries submitted their video recipes, vying for public votes and expert jury review.
Top Winners:
Morné van der Merwe (South Africa) – Pasta with Basil and Tomato
Susanne Lorenz (Germany) – Cauliflower Steak with Chimichurri
Khakimova Matliuba (Kyrgyzstan) – Beef Dumplings
Shilpa Chandel (India) – Siddu
People’s Choice Award: Bojan Veljanovski (North Macedonia), Matliuba (Kyrgyzstan)
“This contest is proof that talent thrives where belief and opportunity meet.” — Akhil Srivastava
More Than a Contest—A Global Movement
Golden Eye Chef has transcended being just a culinary event; it’s a vibrant movement for inclusion, visibility, and empowerment. Each dish tells a powerful story of resilience, passion, and heritage. With every edition, we:
- Challenge public perception of disability.
- Promote economic and creative independence.
- Elevate blind chefs as global culinary leaders.
“Cooking is not about seeing—it’s about feeling, tasting, and believing.”
What’s Next? Golden Eye Chef 2025
The 7th edition promises a powerful return with the exciting theme. Stay tuned as we prepare to bring together the next generation of blind culinary talent from across the world!