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


Frill Hospitality: A Renowned Name in Premium Hotel Toiletries and Amenities

Frill Hospitality: A Renowned Name in Premium Hotel Toiletries and Amenities

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 25, 2025

In the world of luxury hospitality, it's often the finest details that create unforgettable guest experiences. Frill Hospitality has firmly established itself as a trusted leader in the industry, delivering premium hotel toiletries and amenities that blend exquisite fragrances, thoughtful designs, and superior quality. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Gurugram, India, Frill produces everything under strict GMP standards, ensuring paraben-free, 100% vegan, and phthalate-free formulations crafted with the finest ingredients.

Recently honored as the Most Trusted Brand in Hotel Toiletries at the India Hotel & Homestay Summit & Awards 2025, Frill continues to set the benchmark for excellence in guest-centric innovation.

Signature Collections: Where IFRA-certified Fragrance Meets Luxury

Frill Hospitality offers a stunning range of premium toiletries across three captivating brand lines, each designed to transform ordinary bathroom routines into spa-like rituals:

  • Forestra – We built it for hotels that want to deliver a truly premium, nature-inspired experience. With its elegant fragrance blend of, Bergamot, Geranium & Blond Woods, Forestra brings a boutique luxury feel to every room. The texture is rich, the packaging is sophisticated, and the performance is exceptional, making it the preferred choice for upscale resorts and modern boutique properties. 

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  • Sea BreezeSea Breeze is designed for hotels that want premium quality at smart pricing. With its clean, refreshing fragrance of Sea Salt & Lavender and high-performance formulation, Sea Breeze delivers a consistent guest experience every time. The packaging is modern, the texture feels luxurious, and the cost makes it a clear winner for high-rotation rooms. Perfect for 3- to 5-star properties looking for reliability without compromising quality. 

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  • Isvara Naturals – Our modern Ayurvedic formulations, premium textures, and the signature Soul & Vanilla fragrance create an unforgettable guest experience. Designed for luxury and boutique properties, Isvara offers high-quality, conscious amenities that elevate your brand image instantly.Every product boasts amazing, long-lasting fragrances and sophisticated packaging that seamlessly complements upscale hotel branding.

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Innovative & Sustainable Packaging for Dry Amenities

Frill offers exceptional versatility in presentation, especially for dry amenities. Options include eco-friendly kraft boxes and pouches, butter paper pouches, laminated boxes, flow-wrap sachets, and more. These sustainable choices not only reduce environmental impact but also allow hotels to customize packaging that reflects their unique identity while maintaining premium aesthetics.

The White Thread - Premium Hotel Slippers: Comfort Meets Style

Beyond toiletries, Frill manufactures high-quality hotel slippers with Frill detailing in a variety of premium materials:

  • Soft fleece for cozy warmth
  • Plush fur for indulgent comfort
  • Natural jute for an eco-friendly, textured option

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These slippers provide the perfect finishing touch to any in-room experience.

Elevate Your Guest Experience with Frill

Whether you're a boutique hotel, luxury resort, or chain property, Frill Hospitality delivers complete in-room solutions that impress guests and strengthen brand loyalty. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and customization has made them a preferred partner for hospitality businesses across India and beyond.

Ready to experience the difference?

Please visit the official website: www.frillhospitality.com.  For more information, samples, or to place orders, write to info@frillhospitality.com


India Bids Farewell to Bollywood Icon Dharmendra

India Bids Farewell to Bollywood Icon Dharmendra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 25, 2025

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away at his Mumbai residence on Monday, November 24, at the age of 89. His last rites were held at Pawan Hans Crematorium, where family, friends, and several Bollywood celebrities gathered to pay their final respects.

Known affectionately as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’ and ‘Dharam Paaji,’ Dharmendra’s illustrious career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His final on-screen appearance will be in the upcoming film Ikkis, scheduled for release on December 25.

Dharmendra began his film journey with Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere in 1960 and later became a household name with iconic films like Sholay, where he shared the screen with Amitabh Bachchan. The film not only achieved commercial and critical acclaim but also redefined Indian cinema and popularized the dacoit western genre.

Beyond acting, Dharmendra explored film production and politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner between 2004 and 2009. His passing has been widely mourned, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent figures expressing their condolences.

Dharmendra’s legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and cinema enthusiasts, celebrating a life dedicated to storytelling, charisma, and Indian cinematic history.


Spain Showcases Empowering Travel for Women at “Women Travelers to Spain – A Passport to Yourself” Event in Mumbai

Spain Showcases Empowering Travel for Women at “Women Travelers to Spain – A Passport to Yourself” Event in Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 25, 2025

The Tourism Office of Spain (Turespaña) in Mumbai hosted a warm and inspiring evening titled “Women Travelers to Spain – A Passport to Yourself” on 21st November 2025 at IFBE, Ballard Estate. Designed as a celebration of women and the transformative nature of travel, the event brought together women professionals, creators, and travel enthusiasts to explore Spain through a personal and meaningful lens.

Guests began arriving from 7:00 pm, gathering in anticipation of an evening that aimed to go beyond itineraries and destinations. The event opened with a welcome address from Elena Orland, Director of the Tourism Office of Spain in India. She shared, “Beyond the best-known destinations, Spain is a wonderful country that truly welcomes women travellers to enjoy unique and authentic experiences that will make your travel to Spain and to yourself, memorable.” Her words set the tone for the evening, framing Spain as a place where women feel safe, inspired, and free to discover both the country and themselves.

The event featured a lively panel moderated by renowned blogger and influencer Roxanne Bamboat. The panellists included Isha Bhansali, Fashion Stylist and Consultant; Xenia Lam, Hotelier, freelance journalist and General Manager at Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai; and Reshma Mehta, Entrepreneur. Each shared their first impressions of Spain, describing its colour, vibrancy, and youthful energy. They spoke about how the country consistently meets and often exceeds expectations with its coastal beauty, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere.

A key highlight of the discussion was Spain’s safety and comfort for solo women travellers. The panelists noted that Spanish society is warm, non-judgmental, and extremely hospitable. Even without knowing Spanish, travellers can navigate the country easily thanks to friendly locals and well-organised cities. They also pointed out several cultural similarities between India and Spain, especially around family values, food, festivals, and community dining, making Indian travellers feel instantly connected.

The panel concluded around 9:00 pm, followed by a relaxed networking dinner featuring Spanish food and wine. Instead of a formal Q&A session, guests enjoyed one-on-one conversations with the panellists and continued discussing travel, culture, and personal stories in a more casual setting. The evening wrapped up by 10:30 pm, leaving guests with a renewed sense of inspiration and connection.

“Women Travelers to Spain: A Passport to Yourself” stood out for its heartfelt celebration of Spain as a destination that embraces women travellers in many meaningful ways. The evening beautifully highlighted how travel can be a bridge to discovering yourself, and how Spain continues to offer women the space to explore with confidence, curiosity, and joy.

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