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


Karnataka Tourism Makes a Strong Showing at TTF Bengaluru 2026 With a Showcase of Its Best Offerings

Karnataka Tourism Makes a Strong Showing at TTF Bengaluru 2026 With a Showcase of Its Best Offerings

By Hariharan U

Published on March 24, 2026

Karnataka Tourism had a strong showing at the Travel and Tourism Fair Bengaluru 2026, using the three-day event to put the state's diverse tourism offerings in front of a wide audience of travel trade professionals, industry stakeholders, and visitors.

The Karnataka Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by H.K. Patil, Hon'ble Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, at Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. Senior officials representing the department included Dr. Thrilok Chandra K.V., IAS, Secretary of Tourism; Mr. Prashant Shankhinamath, IFS, Managing Director of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd.; Mr. Janardhan H.P., Joint Director of the Department of Tourism; and Smt. Cheluvamba, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism.

The pavilion drew consistent footfall throughout the event, with the display capturing attention for the breadth of what Karnataka has to offer. Heritage circuits, cultural landmarks, wildlife reserves, scenic landscapes, and emerging segments including wellness, adventure, and experiential tourism were all prominently featured through promotional materials and audio-visual presentations. The depth of the state's tourism product came through clearly, reinforcing Karnataka's positioning as a year-round destination rather than a seasonal one.

The B2B dimension of the participation was equally productive. Karnataka Tourism stakeholders engaged directly with tour operators, travel agents, and destination management companies over the three days, exploring new business opportunities and building on existing partnerships. These interactions gave both sides a clearer picture of evolving travel trends and consumer preferences, which the department expects to translate into stronger collaborations and increased tourist footfall in the months ahead.

Media engagement at the pavilion also generated meaningful coverage, extending the reach of Karnataka's tourism narrative beyond the fair itself.

Karnataka Tourism continues to prioritise sustainable and responsible tourism as it promotes its unique blend of heritage, nature, and modern experiences to travellers across India. TTF Bengaluru 2026 was a useful platform to reinforce that message to exactly the right audience.


Radisson Blu Palace Resort Udaipur Hosts The Write Circle With Author Priyanka Sharma Kaintura

Radisson Blu Palace Resort Udaipur Hosts The Write Circle With Author Priyanka Sharma Kaintura

By Hariharan U

Published on March 24, 2026

Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa in Udaipur stepped beyond the boundaries of conventional hospitality recently, hosting The Write Circle, a thoughtfully organised literary session that brought together guests, thinkers, and storytellers for an evening of genuine conversation.

The event, held in association with Prabha Khaitan Foundation, featured author and communications leader Priyanka Sharma Kaintura in conversation with Swati Agarwal, creating a space where mythology, societal themes, and personal storytelling intersected naturally. The session was organised in collaboration with Ehsaas, Women of Udaipur, led by Kanika Agarwal, Shraddha Murdia, and Swati Agarwal, bringing together a community of like-minded individuals who value meaningful dialogue over surface-level engagement.

Priyanka Sharma Kaintura is a writer and speaker with over two decades of experience in corporate communications and brand reputation management. She has authored two books: My Jiffies, a narration of moments that are, as the title suggests, unadulterated and unpackaged, and Mahadevi: The Unseen Truth Behind Existence, which has earned praise for its thoughtful exploration of mythology and societal themes. Her work across writing and speaking has been recognised through multiple awards including the Indira Priyadarshini Award 2023 and Times Power Icon 2018.

Swati Agarwal, Owner of Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa, Udaipur, reflected on what the evening meant for the property. "At Radisson Blu Udaipur, we have always believed in creating experiences that go beyond hospitality and bring people together through meaningful conversations. The Write Circle reflects this vision, offering a platform where literature, ideas, and diverse perspectives can come together in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. It was a pleasure to host Priyanka Sharma Kaintura and welcome guests for an evening that truly celebrated storytelling and dialogue."

For a resort set in one of India's most culturally rich cities, hosting events like The Write Circle feels like a natural extension of what Udaipur represents: a place where heritage, art, and thoughtful living coexist. Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa continues to build on that identity, offering guests experiences that go well beyond a comfortable stay.


IHCL Marks Four Years of Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass Celebrations

IHCL Marks Four Years of Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass Celebrations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 24, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is celebrating four years of its Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass loyalty programme, inviting guests to enjoy memorable travel experiences and exclusive benefits across its hotel network.

Marking the milestone, the company has introduced special anniversary offers designed to give members more value during their stays. The initiative reflects IHCL’s continued focus on creating smooth and rewarding experiences for its guests across different brands.

Mr. Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL said, “Taj InnerCircle and NeuPass represent our commitment to creating thoughtful and seamless experiences across IHCL’s brandscape. As the programme completes four years, we are delighted to celebrate this journey with our members through specially curated anniversary offerings.”

As part of the celebrations, members can avail 20% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, dining at in-house restaurants, and wellness services such as spa therapies and salon treatments. In addition, guests will also have the opportunity to earn 2X NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends during their stay.

These benefits are available across IHCL’s portfolio, including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life and amã Stays & Trails, giving members a wide range of experiences to choose from.

The offer is valid on stays booked between 20th March and 20th April 2026, for travel until 30th September 2026 across participating hotels.

With this celebration, IHCL continues to strengthen its loyalty programme by offering meaningful benefits, encouraging guests to explore more destinations while enjoying added value and comfort.

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