20th Annual Chef Awards: Honoring India's Top Culinary Talents

20th Annual Chef Awards: Honoring India's Top Culinary Talents

By Author

Published on October 26, 2023

The 20th Annual Chef Awards, a much-anticipated event organized by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF), was held at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi as part of the International Chefs Day celebrations. The luminous event, distinguished for honoring the culinary arts and those who elevate them, was graced by the presence of Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, as the chief guest.

A remarkable twenty years have passed since the inauguration of these awards, each year witnessing a grander, more opulent ceremony than the last. This occasion was no different, with 18 culinary maestros and four esteemed individuals receiving the special Presidium awards, a testament to their unfettered contribution to the tapestry of the hospitality industry. The ceremony was not just a gathering but a tribute, a melody of claps and cheers echoing the halls, singing praises of the artistry that is often confined to the silence of the kitchen.

A four-day culinary competition, as rigorous as it was exhilarating, preluded the event. Over 150 chefs from the diverse and rich landscapes of India clashed spatulas, their skill and innovation evaluated by a distinguished panel of WACS-certified jury members from across the nation. Eleven emerged victorious, their talent and prowess earning them the coveted MasterChef awards.

Chef Davinder Kumar, the President of the ICF, painted a vivid picture of the significance of these awards, "They are about nurturing their growth and enhancing Indian cuisine's worldwide appeal,” he said. A sentiment echoed by Chef Vivek Saggar, the General Secretary of the ICF, who highlighted the two-decade journey of hosting the Annual Chef Awards. This event was not just a celebration but a global showcase of Indian culinary art, a source of inspiration for budding talents and established chefs alike.

A cascade of awards flowed through the evening. Chef Shaju Zacharia was adorned with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute echoing the years of dedication and passion he poured into his craft. The Golden Hat Award found its deserving recipient in Chef Rajiv Malhotra, a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in the culinary world.

The ICF, a beacon of culinary arts in India, aims to not just celebrate but elevate the craft. It strives to ignite careers, disseminate the aromatic allure of Indian flavors globally, and carve a niche where artistry, skill, and innovation in the culinary world are not just recognized but revered. This year’s Annual Chef Awards was a testament to this relentless pursuit, a melody of spices and flavors, artistry and skill, celebration and honor that would linger long after the curtains drew to a close.


IndusFood Manufacturing 2025: A Major Milestone for India's F&B Innovation

IndusFood Manufacturing 2025: A Major Milestone for India's F&B Innovation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 15, 2025

IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 wrapped up with resounding success, marking a major milestone in the global food and beverage industry. The event, held from January 9–11, 2025, at the India International Convention Centre (IICC – Yashobhoomi) in New Delhi, was organized by India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML) in collaboration with the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI).

image

Under the guidance of Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of IEML, the event highlighted the venue’s ability to organize large-scale international exhibitions, extending its reach beyond Greater Noida. IEML’s innovative approach set new standards for the exhibition industry, positioning IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 as a global platform for F&B advancements.

image

The event hosted four specialized shows under one roof:

  • IndusFood Tech: Featuring groundbreaking food processing technologies.

  • IndusFood Packaging: Showcasing sustainable and smart packaging innovations.

  • IndusFood Ingredients: Displaying premium ingredients driving F&B innovation.

  • IndusFood Hospitality: Presenting modern solutions for the hospitality industry.

Spanning 27,000 square meters of exhibition space, the event attracted over 12,000 visitors and 500+ hosted international participants. With 300 exhibitors presenting state-of-the-art machinery, technology, and solutions, the event also hosted a summit with 17 engaging sessions, attended by more than 600 industry delegates. These sessions fostered dynamic discussions on the future of food manufacturing.

image

Dr. Rakesh Kumar shared his thoughts on the event’s strategic importance, saying, “IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 is a testament to IEML’s vision of creating a globally recognized platform for innovation and excellence. With the support of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and our dedicated partners, we aim to transform India into a hub for F&B innovation, generating sustainable investments and fostering meaningful collaborations.”

International buyers and delegates from 18 countries, including Algeria, Australia, Canada, Israel, South Africa, and the USA, also participated, exploring new partnerships with Indian companies. This global engagement reaffirmed India’s rising stature in the global food and beverage sector.

image

Dr. Kumar’s visionary leadership and IEML’s operational excellence were key to the event’s success, creating a transformative platform for exhibitors, buyers, and stakeholders. With its focus on technology, packaging, ingredients, and hospitality, the event provided a unique space for groundbreaking advancements and impactful business outcomes.

IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 further solidified IEML’s position as a trailblazer in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry, contributing to India’s economic and industrial growth.


Blinkit CEO Addresses NRAI Concerns Over 10-Minute Food Delivery App

Blinkit CEO Addresses NRAI Concerns Over 10-Minute Food Delivery App

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 15, 2025

Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa has addressed concerns raised by the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) regarding the launch of Bistro, Zomato's standalone 10-minute food delivery app. The NRAI recently flagged potential competition concerns and hinted at approaching the Competition Commission of India (CCI) about similar rapid delivery apps like Bistro and Swiggy's Snacc.

Responding to these concerns, Dhindsa clarified that Bistro operates as a completely independent entity, separate from Zomato’s primary app. He assured that no Zomato restaurant data has been used to develop or market Bistro, emphasizing,

“This is a standalone team, with a standalone app – and no Zomato restaurant data has been used. We will not even use the Zomato app to market Bistro.”

Dhindsa also addressed apprehensions about Zomato launching private brands that could compete with restaurant partners. He reaffirmed the company’s ethical commitment, stating,

“Zomato will never launch private brands on the main app to compete with our restaurant partners. Ethics and sticking to our word mean more than anything else to us, and we are not going to compromise just to save on marketing costs.”

image

Highlighting Bistro’s potential, Dhindsa noted that the app aims to add value to the food and restaurant ecosystem, not disrupt it. He shared,

“All the companies innovating with us on Bistro also work with a number of restaurants, and our success at Bistro has the potential to add value for the entire ecosystem.”

The NRAI’s concerns stem from the growing competition posed by standalone apps like Bistro, which may challenge traditional restaurant business models. With the rise of 10-minute food delivery services, the industry is closely watching how such innovations will reshape customer expectations and operational dynamics.

Blinkit and Zomato’s commitment to ethical practices and collaboration with restaurants may set a precedent for ensuring that rapid delivery models coexist harmoniously with the broader food service industry.


Butterfly High Thane Unveils a Stylish Transformation with Vibrant Vibes

Butterfly High Thane Unveils a Stylish Transformation with Vibrant Vibes

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 14, 2025

Butterfly High, a beloved dining spot in Thane, Mumbai, has undergone a spectacular transformation, unveiling a bold and vibrant new look. Originally launched in 2021, the venue now boasts stunning interiors designed to cater to everything from casual meals to intimate celebrations.

A Dynamic Vision

The redesign, spearheaded by renowned interior designer Nishant Desai, blends form and function seamlessly. “The transformation of Butterfly High is a celebration of both form and function. We aimed to create a space that was visually captivating, yet comfortable and inviting,” said Desai. Featuring vibrant hues, luxurious textures, and sleek lines, the revamped interiors create an atmosphere where guests can feel at home while enjoying something extraordinary.

A Place for Every Occasion

With stylish décor, vibrant colors, and cozy seating, the revamped Butterfly High offers distinct spaces tailored for varied experiences. Whether it’s a festive dinner, a casual outing, or a night out with friends, the thoughtfully redesigned space ensures an unforgettable experience for all occasions.

Commitment to Innovation and Quality

Ankita Poojari, director of Shiv Sagar Foods & Resorts Pvt. Ltd., emphasized the venue’s renewed appeal: “Our goal has always been to offer not just a dining experience, but a place where memories are made, and bonds are strengthened. With the revamped interiors and exciting menu additions, we are confident Butterfly High will continue to be the destination of choice for anyone looking to enjoy great food, great drinks, and even better company.”

The transformation reflects the brand's dedication to aligning with Thane's vibrant energy while delivering the best in hospitality and dining. Nikita Poojari, also a director, added, “The rejuvenation of Butterfly High is a testament to our commitment to innovation and quality. We’ve invested in creating a space that aligns with the vibrant energy of Thane while offering the best in hospitality and dining.”

A Redefined Destination

Managing partner Nikhil Rochlani shared his excitement about the transformation: “Butterfly High has always been a popular destination, but this transformation will redefine what people expect from dining and nightlife in Thane. It's a dynamic space that has something for everyone, and we can't wait for our patrons to experience it firsthand.”

With its bold new vibe, Butterfly High Thane is set to become the ultimate go-to destination, combining great food, drinks, and ambiance for an unparalleled experience.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.