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.


080 Lounges at Bengaluru Airport Introduce Copenhagen Sparkling Tea

080 Lounges at Bengaluru Airport Introduce Copenhagen Sparkling Tea

By Hariharan U

Published on October 25, 2026

Bebida Hospitality and Bengaluru Airport's 080 Lounges have introduced Copenhagen Sparkling Tea at the 080 Domestic Lounge and 080 International Lounge at Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, expanding the lounges' beverage offerings with an alcohol-free Danish sparkling tea.

Founded in 2017 by Jacob Kocemba and Bo Sten Hansen, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea combines traditional tea brewing with the effervescence of a sparkling beverage. Hand-brewed in Copenhagen using up to 13 organic teas, the blends bring together different tea varieties to create layered aromas, distinctive flavour profiles and a crisp finish.

The introduction offers travellers an alternative to conventional lounge beverages, bringing together international beverage craftsmanship and India's established tea culture.

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea is brought to India by Bebida Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., which specialises in introducing international food and beverage brands to the Indian market. The brand is served at more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants and by hospitality groups including Four Seasons, InterContinental, Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Taj and The Leela.

At the 080 Lounges, the sparkling tea is served chilled in fine stemware and is available in three signature blends:

  • Blå: A blend of jasmine, white tea, Darjeeling and Assam, offering delicate floral notes and a balanced flavour profile.

  • Lysegrøn: Combines sencha and green tea with citrus and first-flush Darjeeling for a bright, refreshing taste.

  • Lyserød: Brings together silver needle, oolong, hibiscus, Darjeeling and Assam, with a delicately fruity character and blush-pink colour.

Commenting on the introduction, George Bennet Kuruvilla, CEO, Bengaluru Airport Services Limited (BASL), and VP Hospitality, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said, “We are constantly looking to elevate the experience for travelers who frequently visit our lounges. Copenhagen Sparkling Tea gives our guests a distinctive choice that matches the care we put into every part of the lounge. It reinforces our commitment to thoughtful hospitality, quality, and creating meaningful experiences for our guests.”

Jacob Kocemba, Founder, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, said the beverage was created to celebrate meaningful moments and expressed pride in bringing the brand to the 080 Lounges in Bengaluru.

Nadia Sood, Co-Founder, Bebida Hospitality, highlighted the connection between India's tea heritage and the brand's contemporary approach. She noted that the 080 Lounges' emphasis on design and guest experience made them a suitable setting for introducing the sparkling tea to Indian travellers.

Located airside on Level 4 of Terminal 2, both the 080 Domestic Lounge and 080 International Lounge operate 24 hours a day. Managed by Bengaluru Airport Services Limited, the lounges draw inspiration from Karnataka's and India's cultural heritage, with facilities that include dining, spa services, workspaces and artwork by local artists.

The addition of Copenhagen Sparkling Tea further diversifies the lounges' food and beverage programme, offering travellers a distinctive alcohol-free option before departure or during their airport stay.


Nando’s Opens Fifth Mumbai Restaurant at Phoenix Marketcity Kurla

Nando’s Opens Fifth Mumbai Restaurant at Phoenix Marketcity Kurla

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2026

Nando’s, the global restaurant brand known for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, has opened its fifth outlet in Mumbai at Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla. The new restaurant brings the brand’s signature flavours and Southern African-inspired dining experience to another part of the city.

Known for its distinctive flame-grilling technique and PERi-PERi marinades, Nando’s offers chicken that is marinated for 24 hours, flame-grilled to order and basted according to each guest’s preferred spice level. Diners can choose from a range of flavours, from Mild to Extra Hot, allowing them to customise their meals to suit their taste.

The new outlet comes as Kurla continues to develop as a dining and social destination in Mumbai. Designed as a welcoming space for families, friends and communities, the restaurant follows the brand’s approach of bringing together bold flavours, shared meals and warm hospitality.

“Mumbai has emerged as a strong and exciting market for us, and the launch of our fifth casa reflects the encouraging response we have received from diners in the city,” said Sameer Bhasin, CEO, Nando’s India. “This opening strengthens our presence in the city and brings the signature Nando’s experience, bold PERi-PERi flavours, customisable heat levels, and our distinctive flame-grilled offering, to an even wider audience.”

Founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1987, Nando’s has grown from a single restaurant into an international brand with more than 1,250 locations across 23 countries. Its signature flavour comes from the African Bird’s Eye Chilli, which is combined with lemon, fresh garlic and spices to create its distinctive PERi-PERi marinades and sauces.

The brand uses fresh ingredients in its bastings, marinades and sauces, with no artificial flavours or colourants. Its flame-grilled chicken and range of spice levels form the foundation of its menu, offering diners different ways to enjoy its signature flavours.

Beyond the food, the new Casa brings elements of Southern African culture into the dining space. Contemporary African art, warm hospitality and Afro-Luso music contribute to the restaurant's atmosphere, creating a setting for casual dining, conversations and shared meals. Located on Level 2 of Phoenix Marketcity Mall on L.B.S. Marg, Kurla West, the new Nando’s outlet is open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM. The opening marks another step in the brand's expansion in Mumbai, bringing its flame-grilled offerings to a wider audience.

Outlet Details

  • Location: Level 2, Phoenix Marketcity Mall, L.B.S. Marg, Kurla West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400070
  • Timings: 11:30 AM–11:30 PM
  • Milestone: Fifth Nando’s outlet in Mumbai.

Bountyful Opens in Bengaluru, Celebrating India's Overlooked Regional Cuisines

Bountyful Opens in Bengaluru, Celebrating India's Overlooked Regional Cuisines

By Hariharan U

Published on October 23, 2026

Bountyful has opened in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, bringing lesser-known regional Indian dishes to the restaurant table through a vegetarian menu inspired by the country's diverse culinary traditions.

The new restaurant explores approximately 18–20 regional cuisines, moving beyond familiar restaurant staples to highlight everyday food, traditional ingredients and cooking techniques associated with homes, hill villages and small-town kitchens across India.

Built around the idea of abundance and shared experiences, Bountyful focuses on the kind of comforting, home-style food that often remains absent from mainstream restaurant menus. The offering brings together humble everyday preparations and regional specialities in a contemporary setting designed to feel warm, relaxed and inviting.

The menu features dishes such as Hari Moong Dal, Bihari Sattu, Malai Gatta, Bhapa Paneer and Khatte Nadru, alongside soups including Himalayan Thukpa and Tomato Tulsi Rasa. The salad selection includes Green Moong Raw Mango Salad, adding fresh and tangy flavours to the vegetarian spread.

Drinks form another part of the restaurant's regional approach. The selection includes spiced and tangy combinations inspired by ingredients such as kokum, jeera, coriander and chilli, alongside zero-proof creations featuring distinctive flavour profiles. Sweeter options inspired by paan, rose and thandai complement the menu.

The dessert selection includes Kesar Bhapa Doi, a Bengali classic, Rose Milk Cake and Gud Til Chocolate Mousse. Together, the food and beverage offerings aim to showcase the range of flavours found across India's regional kitchens, from savoury and spice-led preparations to familiar traditional sweets.

Speaking about the opening, Pallavii Gupta, Founder, Bountyful, said, “Bountyful is built on memories of the comforting hills, towns and regions across India. It's a true celebration of regional food, familiar ingredients and unfamiliar dishes.”

She added that the name reflects the restaurant's sense of abundance, while its contemporary environment draws inspiration from traditional Indian architecture and patterns derived from everyday cooking vessels. The intention, she said, was to create a dining experience that feels modern while retaining the warmth and familiarity associated with Indian hospitality.

The interiors combine murals, layered materials, lighting and subtle decorative details to create an expressive space with a lived-in character. The restaurant accommodates 40 guests and is intended for diners looking to explore regional food in an informal setting.

By placing everyday dishes alongside less familiar regional preparations, Bountyful adds another dimension to Bengaluru's dining scene, bringing attention to food traditions that are often overshadowed by more widely recognised Indian restaurant dishes.

Restaurant Details

  • Restaurant: Bountyful

  • Location: Indiranagar, Bengaluru

  • Cuisine: Vegetarian, regional Indian

  • Seating Capacity: 40 guests

  • Timings: 12 PM–4 PM and 7 PM–11 PM

  • Weekly Off: Monday

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