From Indian Accent to Masque: See Who Made CNT’s Top Restaurant Awards

From Indian Accent to Masque: See Who Made CNT’s Top Restaurant Awards

By Author

Published on October 12, 2023

Indian Accent is not a newcomer to acclaims and applause. Nestled in the heart of New Delhi, this gem of a restaurant has, for the third time, clinched the top spot at the Condé Nast Traveller Top Restaurant Awards. It's not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of innovative culinary arts where traditional Indian flavors are reimagined, giving birth to a contemporary dining experience that lingers in the memory long after the meal is over.

But this story of culinary artistry doesn't end in the enchanting corridors of Indian Accent. A hop, skip, and jump away in the scenic landscapes of Goa, Bomras carves out its niche, claiming the number two spot on the coveted list. The eatery’s revival in Anjuna has seen it flourish, bringing a seamless blend of Burmese, Vietnamese, and Thai flavors to the table. Each dish is a melodious symphony of tastes that dances gracefully on the palate.

Masque in Mumbai is another name that has etched its signature in the annals of India’s gastronomic scene. Positioned at a proud third in the ranking, Masque is an odyssey of flavors, a journey that takes you through the verdant forests of Kashmir to the golden shores of Goa. Every season sees a new menu, a fresh narrative of India's diverse culinary traditions, morphing homegrown ingredients into exquisite, fine-dining manifestations.

This year marked the grand return of the CNT Top Restaurant Awards after a pause induced by the global lockdowns. It unveiled an eclectic mix of classic and new entrants, each echoing the dynamic shifts and evolution in India’s dining patterns. Mumbai emerged as a star, boasting twelve restaurants that weave a narrative of the city’s diverse and rich culinary offerings. Veronica’s entrance into the top 10 is emblematic of a dining culture that is as rooted in tradition as it is in forward-thinking innovation.

Indian Accent stands as a testament to the inventive spirit of Indian cuisine. Its Chef’s Tasting menu is a handpicked curation of dishes that are iconic, each telling a story of India’s gastronomic heritage interlaced with global influences. Bomras, with its signature dishes like the tea leaf salad and smoked pork fried rice, captures the essence of diverse Asian cuisines, presenting a dining experience that transcends borders. Masque, under the adept hands of Chef Varun Totlani and the visionary entrepreneur Aditi Dugar, transforms hyperlocal ingredients into masterpieces, marrying tradition and innovation.

In these top restaurants, every dish, every flavor, is an ode to India’s vast culinary landscape. They are more than dining spaces; they are experiential journeys that cater to the soul, offering not just food but a holistic experience. From the artful presentation of dishes at Indian Accent to the innovative flavors of Bomras and the seasonal narratives of Masque, each restaurant embodies a unique chapter of India’s rich culinary tale.

As we applaud their achievements, let’s not just celebrate the art of fine dining but also acknowledge the passionate individuals, the chefs, the restaurateurs, and the entire teams who breathe life into these establishments, making them iconic landmarks in India’s culinary journey.


Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 8, 2025

This July, immerse yourself in pure chocolate bliss as Dolci celebrates World Chocolate Day with a stunning collection of handcrafted creations designed to delight every chocolate lover. From silky truffles to indulgent cakes, each dessert showcases Dolci’s dedication to premium chocolate craftsmanship, promising an experience that’s rich, luxurious, and unforgettable.

Whether treating yourself to a moment of indulgence or sharing sweet memories with friends and family, this specially curated collection is crafted to satisfy even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs. With a strong commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques, every bite at Dolci celebrates the rich heritage of fine chocolate.

At the core of each creation is the world-renowned Callebaut chocolate from Belgium, known for its exceptional quality and deep flavour profile. This premium chocolate forms the foundation of all Dolci’s chocolate offerings, ensuring each dessert delivers the authentic taste and smooth texture that true chocolate enthusiasts seek.

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Event Details:

  • Date: July 7, 2025

  • Venues: Dolci outlets at Cunningham Road, New BEL Road, and Lavelle Road, Bengaluru

Featured treats include:

  • Fresh Cream Truffle

  • Matilda Cake

  • Chocolate Noisette

  • Chocolate Praline

  • Chocolate Éclair

  • Gooey Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent, and crafted with love — this isn’t just dessert, it’s a celebration of chocolate at its finest. Each creation is a testament to artisanal excellence, blending classic methods with a touch of contemporary flair.

Step into Dolci this World Chocolate Day and discover why for true chocolate lovers, quality always comes first.


Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2025

This World Chocolate Day, Conrad Pune is making the city’s sweetest dreams come true with an exclusive celebration titled The Chocolate Chapter, hosted at the beloved Pune Sugar Box. From 6th to 16th July, dessert lovers can dive into a special chocolate menu featuring decadent creations like Passion Fruit Gel Bonbons, Pan Bahar Bonbons, Irish Maple bites, and indulgent Nama Chocolate, all handcrafted to perfection.

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The celebration reaches its peak on 7th July with an exclusive invite-only chocolate tasting and high tea event from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, led by award-winning pastry chef Krutika Gawas. With over 8.5 years of expertise in French patisserie and a recent win at a prestigious French pastry competition, Chef Krutika offers guests an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience into the world of chocolate making.

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The highlight includes uncovering the "Conrad Chocolate Secret" and exploring a curated chocolate tasting paired with a beautiful high tea setup. Whether you're attending the workshop or simply dropping by Pune Sugar Box for the chocolate menu, this celebration promises a sensorial journey through flavours and artistry that makes World Chocolate Day a truly memorable affair.


Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2025

Lenexis Foodworks, a key player in India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has made a remarkable mark in 2025, with its brands Chinese Wok and Big Bowl sweeping top honours across multiple award platforms nationwide. These recognitions reflect the group’s consistent growth, operational strength, and deep connection with Indian consumers.

Chinese Wok, the company’s flagship brand, was crowned QSR Chain of the Year at the ET Great India Retail Awards, and was celebrated as a Category Disruptor in the Restaurants, QSR & Food Services segment at the ET Brand Disrupt Awards. Its innovation in digital engagement was recognized with a win at the MOMMY Awards 2025 for Best Use of AR/VR, showcasing its shift towards experiential marketing.

At the Food Connoisseurs India Awards 2025, Chinese Wok earned the title of Best Quick Service Restaurant Chain - West India. Regionally, it stood out at the Times Food & Nightlife Awards with multiple titles including:

  • Best Asian Casual Dining – Navi Mumbai and Thane

  • Best Chinese Restaurant – Thane, Navi Mumbai, Jaipur, and Noida

  • Best QSR Casual Dining – Gurgaon

On the delivery front, the Swiggy Awards 2025 recognized Chinese Wok’s popularity across several cities:

  • Best Chinese:

    • Rank 1 in Madurai, Amritsar, Mysore

    • Rank 2 in Vadodara, Mumbai, Faridabad, Kanpur

    • Rank 3 in Jalandhar, Chennai, Vijayawada, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur

  • Best Momos – Chennai

  • Best Newcomer – Manipal

Meanwhile, Big Bowl, the cloud kitchen brand from Lenexis, won Cloud Kitchen of the Year – West India at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards, and ranked second in Best Chinese (Amritsar) at the Swiggy Awards.

These accolades come as Lenexis Foodworks pursues its vision of scaling up to 500 stores by 2027, opening 100 new outlets annually. From one outlet in 2015, the company has grown to over 235 locations in 35+ cities, positioning Chinese Wok as India’s largest Chinese QSR chain. The group is also expanding into East India with aggressive growth plans in Kolkata and neighbouring markets.

2025 also marked a year of fresh innovations. Chinese Wok launched new street-style offerings such as Kurkure Momos and Desi Chowmein, tailored to local tastes. The brand also debuted its cricket season ad campaign, blending themed visuals, contests, and special packaging.

Lenexis Foodworks continues to invest in storytelling and community efforts, from school outreach programs to revamped in-store experiences, strengthening its identity as a vibrant, home-grown brand. As it celebrates a decade of impact, the company is set to redefine Asian fast food experiences across India.

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