Stars That Matter: India’s Most Trusted Restaurant Ratings Returns Bigger and Bolder in 2025

Stars That Matter: India’s Most Trusted Restaurant Ratings Returns Bigger and Bolder in 2025

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.

A Benchmark of Integrity in Restaurant Ratings

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.”

How the Ratings Work

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.

What’s New in 2025?

  • 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.

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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.”

Supporting Excellence in the F&B Industry

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.

About Culinary Culture

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.

Join India’s Culinary Revolution! - For more destails 

Visit Culinary Culture’s website: www.CulinaryCulture.co


Royal Ranthambore Whisky Reaffirms Tiger Conservation Commitment on World Tiger Day

Royal Ranthambore Whisky Reaffirms Tiger Conservation Commitment on World Tiger Day

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2026

Royal Ranthambore Whisky, the premium whisky brand from Radico Khaitan Ltd., has reaffirmed its commitment to India's tiger conservation efforts on the occasion of World Tiger Day through its ongoing partnership with The Corbett Foundation.

The collaboration supports conservation initiatives focused on habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, veterinary care, livestock health camps, and community-led programmes that promote coexistence between wildlife and local communities living around forest landscapes.

India is home to more than 70% of the world's wild tiger population. According to the latest All India Tiger Estimation, the country's tiger numbers increased from 2,967 in 2018 to an estimated average of 3,682 in 2022, reflecting an annual growth rate of 6.1%. Since the launch of Project Tiger in 1973, the country's network of tiger reserves has expanded from nine to 58 reserves covering nearly 84,500 square kilometres across 18 states.

The company highlighted that nearly one-third of India's tigers now live outside designated tiger reserves, underlining the importance of wildlife corridors, habitat connectivity, and community participation in long-term conservation efforts. Protecting tigers also contributes to the preservation of forests and numerous other species that share these ecosystems.

Earlier this year, Royal Ranthambore introduced its Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection, featuring six limited-edition collectible packs inspired by iconic Indian tigers and showcased through traditional Indian art forms. The collection combined wildlife conservation, storytelling, and cultural heritage while drawing attention to the legacy of India's celebrated tigers.

Commenting on the initiative, Kunal Madan, Chief Marketing Officer, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said the tiger has always been central to the Royal Ranthambore brand identity and represents India's rich natural and cultural heritage. He added that the partnership with The Corbett Foundation reflects the brand's commitment to supporting meaningful conservation efforts and preserving this legacy for future generations.

Launched in 2022, Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Whisky has emerged as one of Radico Khaitan's premium brands, receiving international recognition at the Monde Selection Awards and The Fifty Best. The brand also recorded more than 50% growth during FY2026, strengthening its presence in India's premium whisky segment


Underdoggs Arena Debuts in Gurugram with Immersive Entertainment and Social Experiences

Underdoggs Arena Debuts in Gurugram with Immersive Entertainment and Social Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2026

Underdoggs has unveiled Underdoggs Arena in Gurugram, introducing its largest and most immersive entertainment destination to date. Spanning 30,000 sq. ft., the flagship venue represents the brand's evolution from a sports-viewing destination into a multi-experience social hub where gaming, dining, entertainment, and community come together.

The Arena officially launches on the day of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final, capitalising on one of the world's biggest sporting events. Designed as more than a venue for live match screenings, the destination aims to extend the excitement beyond the game through immersive entertainment, interactive experiences, and social engagement.

Built on over 14 years of brand legacy, Underdoggs has established a presence across more than 12 cities in India. Over the years, the brand has hosted several international sporting personalities, including David Warner, Roberto Carlos, Quinton de Kock, and Dale Steyn, strengthening its association with sports and popular culture.

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Developed over nearly four years, Underdoggs Arena marks a new chapter for the brand by introducing an experience-driven format centred around participation rather than passive entertainment.

The venue brings together multiple attractions under one roof, including immersive arcade gaming zones, modern bowling alleys, private karaoke rooms, and an in-house brewery. Inspired by the nostalgia of retro arcades while embracing contemporary design, the space is intended to encourage guests to play, compete, perform, and socialise in an interactive environment.

According to Team Underdoggs, the brand was built around a passion for sports, music, and shared experiences, creating a community-driven culture where guests feel a sense of belonging.

The food and beverage programme complements the entertainment offering with globally inspired comfort food, signature cocktails, and craft beer, creating a complete lifestyle destination for groups, families, and young professionals.

The Gurugram Arena also reflects the company's long-term expansion strategy. Following the signing of ten new locations during 2024, Underdoggs is targeting significant growth across India while preparing for international expansion into Dubai and London. The company expects its expansion plans to generate over 2,700 new employment opportunities.

Gurugram was selected as the flagship location due to its rapidly growing young, urban audience and increasing demand for immersive entertainment experiences. The company believes the city provides an ideal environment for a destination that blends sport, culture, dining, and interactive leisure.

With the opening of Underdoggs Arena, the brand aims to redefine experiential entertainment by creating a destination where guests actively participate in experiences rather than simply watch them, reinforcing its vision of building community-driven social spaces across India and beyond.


Germany Highlights Culture, Cities and Culinary Experiences to Attract Indian Travellers

Germany Highlights Culture, Cities and Culinary Experiences to Attract Indian Travellers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2026

Germany is reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers by highlighting immersive cultural, culinary, city, and nature-based experiences. With Indian outbound travel continuing to grow, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) India is shifting its focus towards meaningful travel that encourages visitors to spend more time exploring the country's diverse regions.

Commenting on Germany's tourism strategy for the Indian market, Romit Theophilus, Director – Marketing & Sales Office, India, GNTO, said, “Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty across the world, Germany continues to hold its own as a stable and dependable travel destination, and India remains one of the markets driving that momentum. What we're witnessing is a clear shift in how Indian travellers engage with Germany; they're spending more time, going deeper into a region, and choosing experiences that connect them to a place rather than simply passing through it. For 2026, our India strategy is built around this shift, moving beyond conventional sightseeing to spotlight what makes the country worth exploring in depth. Through these efforts, we want to show Indian travellers a Germany defined not just by landmarks, but by stories, flavours and shared moments worth travelling for.”

Germany Celebrates 150 Years of the Bayreuth Wagner Festival

One of the country's major cultural highlights in 2026 is the 150th anniversary of the Bayreuth Festival Theatre. The milestone celebrates the legacy of composer Richard Wagner, whose influence on opera and storytelling continues to inspire audiences around the world.

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The anniversary will be marked through events not only in Bayreuth but also across museums, concert halls, and cultural landmarks associated with Wagner's life. For Indian travellers with an interest in music, performing arts, and heritage, the celebrations offer an opportunity to experience Germany's rich cultural traditions.

Germany's Cities Continue to Evolve

Germany's leading cities are also strengthening their appeal with new attractions and cultural experiences.

Berlin remains at the centre of the country's city tourism, with major exhibitions, festivals, and entertainment offerings planned throughout the year. The city is also preparing for the reopening of the Pergamon Museum in June 2027 as part of the celebrations marking 200 years of the UNESCO-listed Museum Island. Another highlight is Cirque du Soleil's Alizé at Theater am Potsdamer Platz, the company's first permanent production in Europe.

Beyond Berlin, cities such as Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt continue to attract visitors with a mix of history, architecture, innovation, nightlife, and business opportunities. Indian travellers are increasingly exploring these destinations for both leisure and business, reflecting Germany's growing appeal beyond its iconic landmarks.

A Culinary Journey Across Germany

Food and beverage experiences remain a key part of Germany's tourism offering.

The country is home to 13 wine-growing regions, more than 11,000 wineries, and over 100,000 hectares of vineyards, producing a wide variety of wines, including Rieslings from the Moselle Valley and Pinot Noirs from Baden.

Germany's beer culture is equally renowned, with nearly 5,000 beer varieties produced by around 1,500 breweries, many of them located in Bavaria. The country's brewing tradition continues to follow the Reinheitsgebot, or Purity Law of 1516, regarded as the world's oldest consumer protection law.

Germany's bakery culture is another highlight, featuring over 3,000 varieties of bread and baked goods, recognised as part of Germany's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014.

Seasonal food experiences further enrich the visitor journey, from spring wild garlic foraging and asparagus festivals to late-summer Federweißer wine celebrations and the famous Christmas Stollen during the festive season. These experiences offer Indian travellers a chance to connect with Germany's regional traditions through its food and local festivals.

Nature and Slow Travel Take Centre Stage

Germany is also promoting outdoor experiences for travellers looking to enjoy nature and slow-paced holidays.

The country offers more than 320 long-distance cycling routes and several certified CycleTravelRegions, allowing visitors to explore lakes, mountains, vineyards, and countryside at a relaxed pace.

Wine trails across Rheinhessen, the Palatinate, the Moselle, and Franconia combine scenic walks with local cuisine and vineyard experiences, making them ideal for families, groups, and wellness-focused travellers.

With increasing demand for multigenerational holidays and sustainable travel among Indian tourists, Germany is positioning itself as a destination that blends nature, culture, and modern infrastructure.

Going forward, GNTO India plans to strengthen its presence through travel trade partnerships, influencer collaborations, and campaigns showcasing Germany's cultural heritage, city experiences, regional diversity, and culinary offerings. Supported by steady tourism growth and a wide range of experiences, Germany aims to inspire more Indian travellers to discover the country beyond its traditional tourist attractions.

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