The culinary arts took center stage in Hyderabad as the Culinary Academy of India (CAI) set a new world record by displaying the World’s Tallest Chef Hat. The colossal toque blanche was unveiled to commemorate International Chefs’ Day on October 20, .
The monumental chef hat measured an imposing 18 feet in height and 6 feet in diameter, an intentional effort by the academy to surpass a previous Guinness World Record held by a hat that measured 15 feet 9 inches (though the CAI record was for display, not for wearing).
The event was dedicated to honoring the entire professional chef community and paying tribute to the chef’s hat, which is regarded as the most respected gear of a professional chef.
Director of CAI, Sudhkar N Rao, emphasized the institute’s commitment to unique, out-of-the-box activities. “On this day, various Chef Organizations plan events as a tribute and respect to all the chef community who work hard to get tasty and healthy food on to the plate,” he said.
The gargantuan hat’s theme also revolved around millets, reflecting the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, and the United Nations. The surrounding display featured millets, apt for Telangana, which is often known as the ‘land of millets.’
Beyond setting a world record, the CAI used the event as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity. The professional team of chef instructors and students prepared and served 5-star quality healthy food to underprivileged children, who also received healthy millet banana bread as a takeaway. The event successfully merged high culinary standards with community service, celebrating the best of Indian hospitality and dedication.
