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


L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

L’Oréal Paris has marked its 29th consecutive year as the Official Beauty Partner of the Festival de Cannes, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to celebrating women in cinema, inclusivity, and empowerment on one of the world’s most prestigious cultural stages.

Held from 12 to 23 May 2026, this year’s edition continues to bring together global cinema, fashion, and beauty, with L’Oréal Paris highlighting its enduring philosophy of championing women’s self-worth through its iconic message, “Because You’re Worth It.”

A major highlight of this year’s participation is a powerful Indian representation led by L’Oréal Paris ambassadors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari, each bringing a distinct expression of confidence, individuality, and global cultural presence to the Cannes red carpet.

Alia Bhatt returns to Cannes for the second consecutive year as a global ambassador, reflecting on the experience as a celebration of sisterhood and women’s voices on an international platform. Aditi Rao Hydari’s presence this year further strengthens India’s creative visibility at the festival, symbolising elegance and self-expression beyond cinema.

Speaking on the occasion, Dario Zizzi, General Manager, L’Oréal Paris India, said the brand’s nearly three-decade journey at Cannes has been about amplifying voices and celebrating women who are reshaping culture and cinema on their own terms.

The 2026 edition also features the sixth L’Oréal Paris Lights on Women’s Worth Award, with actress and ambassador Gillian Anderson serving as juror, continuing the brand’s focus on recognising emerging female voices in filmmaking.

The global ambassador line-up this year includes names such as Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Ariana Greenblatt, and others, further reinforcing L’Oréal Paris’ global creative network.

Alongside its Cannes presence, L’Oréal Paris has also partnered with Nykaa in India to bring exclusive red carpet beauty experiences closer to Indian consumers, extending the festival’s glamour beyond the French Riviera.

With its continued presence at Cannes, L’Oréal Paris once again positions beauty not just as aesthetics, but as a powerful expression of identity, ambition, and storytelling on a global stage.


WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

WelcomHeritage has introduced a curated collection of Mother’s Day weekend staycations across North India, bringing together heritage palaces, wellness resorts, wildlife retreats, and scenic hillside escapes. Designed as experience-led getaways, the stays reflect the growing preference for meaningful celebrations centred around quality time and memorable experiences.

The curated selection spans different travel styles, from peaceful mountain retreats and wellness-focused resorts to immersive outdoor stays. Moving beyond traditional hospitality experiences, the stays encourage families to slow down and spend meaningful time together in unique and character-filled destinations.

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In Himachal Pradesh, WelcomHeritage Natraj offers a calm mountain escape surrounded by nature, making it ideal for guests looking for a relaxed and peaceful retreat. Meanwhile, WelcomHeritage Santa Roza presents a boutique-style experience that combines scenic surroundings with a slower and more intimate atmosphere.

In Uttarakhand, WelcomHeritage Arka Resort & Spa focuses on wellness and rejuvenation, offering guests a refreshing break away from the fast pace of city life. For travellers interested in heritage experiences, WelcomHeritage Kasmanda Palace reflects the brand’s heritage charm through its historic architecture and panoramic valley views.

For guests seeking an outdoor and wildlife-inspired getaway, WelcomHeritage Mount Valley Resort offers a nature-led experience close to one of India’s most popular national parks, blending comfort with opportunities for wildlife exploration.

As staycations continue to gain popularity around occasions like Mother’s Day, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that allow them to reconnect and unwind in settings that feel personal and immersive. Through these curated experiences, WelcomHeritage aims to offer celebrations that focus more on meaningful moments and less on scale.

For further information and reservations, guests can visit: WelcomHeritage Official Website


Chef Ashish Tiwari Launches “The Culinary Roots” Celebrating India’s Rich Food Heritage

Chef Ashish Tiwari Launches “The Culinary Roots” Celebrating India’s Rich Food Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

Celebrated culinary expert Chef Ashish Tiwari has launched his much-awaited book “The Culinary Roots”, a unique blend of personal memoir, culinary anthropology, and regional Indian gastronomy. Published by Storymonk International Publishing, the book is now available on Amazon and other major platforms.

More than just a cookbook, “The Culinary Roots” takes readers through Chef Ashish’s inspiring journey from the lively streets of Old Delhi to globally recognised kitchens. The book reflects his growth as a chef while showcasing the discipline, resilience, and consistency that shaped his career over the years.

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The book is divided into three sections, each offering a different perspective on food and culture. The first section, The Journey, shares personal moments from Chef Ashish’s life, including his early struggles in kitchens and his rise to leadership roles across international culinary destinations.

The second section, Culinary Anthropology, dives deep into the roots and evolution of Indian cuisine. It explores how geography, migration, culture, and history have influenced the country’s diverse regional dishes and flavours over time.

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The final section brings together signature dishes and the stories connected to them, showing how food is closely tied to emotions, memories, and identity. Through these narratives, the book highlights the deeper meaning behind traditional Indian cooking.

Speaking about the launch, Chef Ashish Tiwari said,

“This book is my attempt to go beyond recipes and explore the ‘why’ behind Indian cuisine, why we cook the way we do, and how every dish carries a story of survival, adaptation, and celebration.”

One of the key highlights of the book is its focus on traditional cooking methods like dum and tadka, while also celebrating the cultural stories hidden within everyday meals. By combining professional culinary insights with storytelling, the book offers readers both knowledge and inspiration.

With “The Culinary Roots”, Chef Ashish Tiwari hopes to encourage aspiring chefs, food lovers, and readers to see Indian cuisine not just as food, but as a living history shaped by people, places, traditions, and time.

Availability:
“The Culinary Roots” is available for purchase on Amazon: Amazon India Listing

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