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


Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style with Troopr’s Luxe In-Home Services in Mumbai

Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style with Troopr’s Luxe In-Home Services in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

This Mother’s Day, skip the usual and celebrate with a touch of luxury—right in the comfort of your home. With Troopr, Mumbai’s revolutionary in-home service app, families can now pamper their moms with unforgettable experiences curated by top-notch professionals. Whether it's a private feast, cocktail soirée, or elegant brunch, Troopr helps create lasting memories with zero stress.

The app offers a variety of premium services that are just a tap away, including:

A Private Chef Experience: Leave the cooking to the pros! Troopr connects you with skilled chefs who whip up everything from spicy Maharashtrian thalis to creamy Italian pastas, all tailored to your mom’s taste and freshly prepared in your own kitchen.

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Female Bartenders for Glamorous Toasts: Add a splash of fun and elegance with Troopr’s talented female bartenders who serve up refreshing mocktails and custom cocktails. It’s the perfect way to raise a toast to mom with style and sparkle.

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Professional Servers: Enjoy the party without the usual host duties. Troopr’s servers manage everything from food and drink service to post-party clean-up, ensuring your Mother’s Day event runs like a dream.

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Show-Stopping Grazing Tables: Impress your guests with an artisanal grazing table filled with cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruits, and sweet treats. It’s an Instagram-worthy spread that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

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With Troopr, planning a celebration that feels personal and luxurious is easier than ever. Simply download the app, choose your services, and create a Mother’s Day your mom will cherish forever.

Celebrate love, elegance, and effortless hosting with Troopr this Mother’s Day—and turn your home into the city’s most heartwarming celebration spot.


Gift Her the Ultimate Escape This Mother’s Day with ELIVAAS Luxury Villas

Gift Her the Ultimate Escape This Mother’s Day with ELIVAAS Luxury Villas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

This Mother’s Day, step beyond traditional gifts and offer something she’ll never forget—an escape into serenity, elegance, and effortless joy. With ELIVAAS, you’re not just giving a stay—you’re giving her an experience where every moment is made for her.

Imagine your mom waking up to birdsong in the hills of Kasauli or sipping tea with a view of the serene waters in North Goa. Whether she seeks stillness or adventure, ELIVAAS’s handpicked luxury villas across India let her choose how she wants to spend her special day.

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Each villa is more than a destination—it’s a retreat of warmth and wonder. With private pools, peaceful gardens, candlelit dinners, yoga sessions, and curated experiences, everything is tailored to give her the pampering she deserves.

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Why ELIVAAS is the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift:

  • Exclusive Villas – Ultimate privacy and space to create cherished family memories.

  • Unbeatable Locations – From lush hills to coastal retreats, discover hidden gems across India.

  • Personalized Touches – From morning yoga to surprise cake arrangements, it’s all about her.

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Where Will You Whisk Her Away?

Choose from ELIVAAS’s exquisite destinations: Alibaug | Dehradun | Delhi NCR | Jaipur | Kasauli | Lonavala | Mussoorie | Nainital | North Goa | Rishikesh | Shimla | Udaipur

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Each one a canvas for memories that will last forever. Let her experience a Mother’s Day as extraordinary and beautiful as she is. Book her perfect escape now, Because she deserves nothing less than the magic of time, tranquillity, and togetherness.


Muscat Grand Mall Partners with SRED to Launch "Little India" as Cultural and Retail Anchor in GCC

Muscat Grand Mall Partners with SRED to Launch "Little India" as Cultural and Retail Anchor in GCC

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2025

Muscat Grand Mall, a premier destination under the Tilal Development Company, has partnered with SRED to launch "Little India" as its new social anchor—a vibrant hub showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture, cuisine, fashion, and heritage. This strategic move sets the stage for Indian brands looking to expand in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, leveraging Oman’s central location and the growing demand for curated international retail experiences.

Mr. Ali Hosni, Acting CEO/General Manager of Muscat Grand Mall, shared his excitement about the initiative:

"Muscat Grand Mall has always been a canvas for innovation and cultural expression. With ‘Little India’, we are not just creating a retail space—we are creating a bridge between India and the GCC. This is an invitation for Indian brands to be part of a regional success story, backed by strong footfall, premium infrastructure, and a rising consumer base in Oman."

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Shriram PM Monga, Co-founder of SRED, emphasized the broader impact:

"‘Little India’ is more than a commercial concept—it’s a social ecosystem designed to serve the large Indian community in Oman and the wider Gulf. It’s a unique opportunity for Indian brands to plug into a culturally aligned audience, celebrate India abroad, and grow in a region that values authenticity and diversity."

The "Little India" initiative will serve as a permanent cultural anchor within Muscat Grand Mall, offering Indian brands a tailored platform to connect with both resident and tourist consumers in Oman. Fashion labels, food concepts, home décor brands, and artisanal businesses from India will now have a dedicated space to showcase their offerings to an expanding and receptive market.

SRED’s expertise in regional retail development will assist Indian brands with strategic onboarding through customized leasing programs, cultural programming, and integrated marketing initiatives to ensure their long-term success in the region.

Indian brands interested in exploring retail expansion in the GCC are encouraged to connect with representatives from Muscat Grand Mall and SRED to learn how they can be part of this unique cultural and commercial initiative.

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