The POPA in collaboration with Department of Tourism, Manipur is all set to host the 4th edition of SheChef Cooking Competition titled, “Redefining Indigenous Cuisine” during the 5th edition of Shirui Lily Festival 2025.
SheChef has been conceptualised to echo the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”. The initiative aims to empower women of Manipur by providing a platform to showcase their culinary talents and turn their passion into a profession, thereby paving the way towards financial independence.
More than just a competition, SheChef seeks to bring the rich culinary heritage of Manipur into the spotlight by celebrating the indigenous dishes of its diverse communities. Participants will cook using locally sourced ingredients, not only enhancing the value of traditional produce but also providing economic benefits to the farming community.
“With the current reach of social media, SheChef also enables people from outside the state to learn the authentic methods of using Manipur’s local ingredients, which are now available in packaged forms across markets,” added Shangreiwon Multhou, Proprietor of POPA Restaurant & Exotic School of Cooking.
The top three winners will receive cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000 respectively.
The competition is open to all women aged between 18 and 40 years. Application forms can be collected from POPA Restaurant, MBC Shopping Complex, Imphal, and Dosa Café, Mihao Complex, opposite Town Hall, Phungreitang, Ukhrul. Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited slots.