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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 14, 2025
Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is back in 2025, bringing a bigger and bolder edition that expands across more cities. After its groundbreaking debut in 2024, this highly respected rating system continues to redefine India’s culinary landscape, setting new benchmarks for unbiased restaurant evaluations.
The Ultimate Star Revelation Ceremony will take place in Bengaluru on 15 March 2025, unveiling the finest dining destinations across the country. With rankings extending to four new cities—Hyderabad, Bhopal, Kochi, and Amritsar—this year’s ratings promise a truly pan-India perspective.
Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings stand apart as India’s only evaluation system based purely on merit, free from sponsorships or external influence. The process ensures transparency, with results remaining confidential until the official ceremony.
Last year, three restaurants earned the coveted 5 Ultimate Stars:
Farmlore, Bengaluru
Avartana, Chennai
Indian Accent, New Delhi
This elite distinction places them at the pinnacle of India’s dining scene, setting the standard for excellence.
Vir Sanghvi, Chairman of Culinary Culture, highlights the significance of this initiative: “At Culinary Culture, we have always led initiatives that shape India’s F&B industry. From celebrating street food to ranking chefs, our mission remains the same—to honor excellence with honesty and transparency. The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is another game-changing first for India.”
The rating system follows a three-tier structure:
3 Stars: Very Good
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: The Ultimate
Unlike conventional awards influenced by sponsorships, Culinary Culture’s system maintains integrity through anonymous inspections conducted by full-time referees. Restaurants are evaluated through a meticulous process involving nominations, anonymous screenings, debates, and a final selection phase. The platform remains independent and does not accept fees from restaurants for inclusion.
More Cities, More Diversity: Hyderabad, Bhopal, Kochi, and Amritsar join the list, bringing regional culinary gems into the spotlight.
Special Awards: Categories include Iconic Restaurant, Restaurant Manager, Sustainability, Opening of the Year, and Mixologist of the Year.
A Grand Celebration in Bengaluru: Top restaurateurs, chefs, and industry leaders will gather for this prestigious event.
Increased Coverage: Nearly 100 restaurants will be recognized, doubling last year’s coverage and strengthening India’s global culinary presence.
Raaj Sanghvi, CEO of Culinary Culture, shares: “The response to last year’s ratings was overwhelming. Diners now recognize our plaques as a symbol of trust. Our ratings remain dynamic—restaurants are re-evaluated regularly, ensuring credibility. We thank our partners, Lavazza and Diageo, for their unwavering support.”
The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is backed by brands that share its commitment to advancing India’s culinary industry, including Lavazza, Johnnie Walker, Veeba, Bisleri Vedica, and Newby Tea.
Co-founded by Vir Sanghvi and Sameer Sain, Culinary Culture is India’s leading authority in food evaluation. The platform is renowned for its restaurant ratings, chef awards, and street food rankings. Beyond ratings, it hosts global culinary exchanges, bringing celebrated international chefs to India while showcasing Indian talent on the global stage. Culinary Culture also leads several initiatives, including FoodSuperstars, Culinary Conversations, and StreetFoodSuperstars, shaping the future of India’s gastronomic landscape.
Visit Culinary Culture’s website: www.CulinaryCulture.co
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Published on October 7, 2025
Indian travellers applying for US B1/B2 business and tourist visas continue to face long interview wait times, as per the latest data from the US Department of State updated in September 2025. New Delhi now records the longest delay, with appointment availability stretching to 12 months. In contrast, Chennai has seen a remarkable improvement, with average wait times dropping sharply from 8.5 months in August to just 2.5 months in September.
According to the latest figures, Hyderabad’s average wait time remains steady at three months, while Mumbai and Kolkata show minor fluctuations, now averaging 4.5 and 5.5 months respectively. The sudden rise in New Delhi’s wait period, up from 3.5 months in August to 12 months in September, has raised concerns for applicants planning urgent travel.
City
Avg Wait (Aug 2025)
Avg Wait (Sep 2025)
Next Available (Aug 2025)
Next Available (Sep 2025)
Chennai
8.5 months
2.5 months
5 months
3 months
Hyderabad
3.5 months
Kolkata
6 months
5.5 months
Mumbai
4.5 months
New Delhi
12 months
Average wait time refers to the typical delay from visa fee payment to interview, based on historical data. The “next available appointment” indicates the earliest date open for scheduling and can shift frequently as new slots are added. Applicants are encouraged to monitor embassy systems regularly to reschedule earlier appointments when possible.
Previously, Indian travellers could apply for non-immigrant visas in third countries such as the UAE, Qatar, or Singapore, where appointment wait times were often shorter. However, the US has now ended this practice, requiring applicants to apply in their home country or place of residence. This policy aims to prevent “visa shopping” but may lead to longer delays for many Indian applicants.
Existing third-country appointments are expected to be honoured, but new ones must be made in the applicant’s home country. The Department of State continues to update visa wait time data monthly and advises applicants to refer to embassy websites for the latest details on interview scheduling, rescheduling, and waiver options.
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of its latest property, Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Haridwar. The new property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. This addition further strengthens the company’s growing presence in Uttarakhand, catering to both religious and leisure travellers seeking a refreshing, value-driven stay experience.
Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Haridwar will feature 52 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, conference hall, and recreational facilities including a fitness centre. The property enjoys a convenient location, approximately 32 km from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, and 9 km from Haridwar Railway Station, with excellent connectivity via public and private transport.
Speaking on the occasion, Vilas Pawar, CEO, Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we will expand our leisure portfolio in Uttarakhand, a state where we have eight operational and nine upcoming properties in addition to this one. While expanding its footprint across the country in cities of all tiers, this signing by Lemon Tree Hotels perfectly aligns with the company’s vision of offering refreshing and comfortable stays across religious and spiritual destinations.”
Currently, Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTHL) operates 120+ hotels across 75+ cities in India and abroad, with a pipeline of 110+ upcoming properties. From major metro hubs like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to tier II and III cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Kochi, and Indore, as well as international locations in Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal, the brand continues to deliver exceptional comfort, consistent quality, and a warm, refreshing experience.
By Hariharan U
Published on October 6, 2025
In the highly competitive hospitality industry, where guest satisfaction hinges on every detail, efficient and reliable kitchen operations play a crucial role. From preparing banquet services and in-house restaurant menus to catering high-profile events, hotels require food service equipment that is efficient, durable, and innovative. That’s where CORNELL INDIA – India’s #1 Food Service Equipment brand – becomes an indispensable partner for hoteliers.
Proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in India, CORNELL INDIA is a name synonymous with quality, dependability, and advanced engineering. Trusted by leading hotels across the country, Cornell delivers cutting-edge solutions that help streamline kitchen operations while enhancing food presentation and service efficiency.
A standout product in their offering is the Cornell Dual TempPlate – a versatile, dual-function unit that allows hotels to present both hot and cold food simultaneously in a single, space-saving solution. Ideal for buffet setups, room service trays, or banquet presentations, the Dual TempPlate reduces the need for multiple appliances, saves kitchen space, and ensures every dish is served at the perfect temperature. This innovation reflects Cornell’s focus on practicality and energy efficiency – crucial for large-scale hotel operations.
CORNELL INDIA’s extensive range of food service equipment is designed to meet the exacting needs of hotel kitchens, banquet halls, and event catering setups. Their products are efficient, reliable, affordable, and sustainable, empowering chefs and kitchen managers to serve culinary masterpieces consistently.
What sets CORNELL apart is their deep commitment to being Dependable in Quality, in Service, in Trust. Every piece of equipment is rigorously tested and crafted with precision, ensuring performance that aligns with the high standards of the hospitality industry. With strong after-sales support and tailored solutions, CORNELL INDIA makes it simple for hotels to upgrade their infrastructure and maintain peak operational efficiency.
For hoteliers seeking to enhance kitchen performance, reduce energy consumption, and deliver exceptional dining experiences, CORNELL INDIA offers the perfect solution.
Visit www.cornellindia.in or contact CORNELL INDIA directly at 82 96 22 33 77 / 96 06 42 33 77 or reachus@cornellindia.in to learn more about their specialized food service equipment designed for hotels.
CORNELL INDIA – Fueling Culinary Creativity in Hospitality with Dependable Indian Engineering.
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