The NDTV Food Awards 2026 brought together some of the biggest names in India’s food and hospitality industry, honouring chefs, restaurants, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals and institutions that continue to shape the country’s evolving culinary landscape.

The awards recognised excellence across a wide spectrum of categories, celebrating iconic restaurants, celebrated chefs, emerging dining destinations, regional food pioneers and hospitality professionals whose work has contributed to India’s growing reputation as a global food destination.

According to NDTV, this year’s winners reflected the creativity, innovation, enterprise and depth that define India’s contemporary food culture. The awards also highlighted how Indian cuisine continues to evolve while remaining rooted in tradition, with chefs and restaurateurs increasingly blending authenticity with modern culinary approaches.

A defining feature of the NDTV Food Awards remains its independent jury process. NDTV stated that all awards were decided solely on merit, with jury deliberations kept separate from commercial partnerships, sponsorships and external influence.

The network said this commitment to credibility, trust and integrity has helped establish the NDTV Food Awards as an important platform for recognising excellence within India’s food and hospitality sector.

The awards also reflect NDTV’s long-standing association with food programming through shows such as ‘Zaika India Ka’, hosted by the late Vinod Dua, ‘Highway On My Plate’, ‘Café Maria’, ‘Gourmet Centra’l and other food-focused formats that have chronicled India’s changing relationship with food over the years.

The NDTV Food Awards 2026 were adjudicated by an eminent jury chaired by Vir Sanghvi. The jury comprised Sourish Bhattacharyya, Asma Khan, Anindya Sundar Basu, Dr. Shabnam Banu, Ananya Banerjee, Marryam H. Reshii, Kurush Dalal and Roshni Bajaj Sanghvi.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, NDTV, said India’s food landscape is witnessing a period of creativity, confidence and reinvention, and that the awards celebrate the individuals and institutions contributing to that transformation. He also emphasised that the awards are based entirely on merit and uphold the principles of integrity and trust.

Jury Chair Vir Sanghvi said the winners of the 2026 edition reflect the diversity, ambition and excellence of India’s food culture while showcasing the direction in which the country’s culinary landscape is evolving.

Among the major winners, Baoshuan at The Oberoi, New Delhi was named Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year, while Izumi, Goa won Best Japanese Restaurant of the Year. Seefah, Mumbai received the award for Best Asian Restaurant of the Year.

In the Indian cuisine categories, Chor Bizarre, Delhi won Best Indian Restaurant of the Year (North Indian), while Karavalli, Bengaluru was recognised as Best Indian Restaurant of the Year (South Indian). Ethnic Table, Dimapur won the regional category, and Sienna, Kolkata was named Best Indian Restaurant of the Year (Modern).

Avartana at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai received the award for Most Innovative Indian Restaurant of the Year.

Among international dining categories, Americano, Mumbai was named Best Italian Restaurant of the Year, while The Table, Mumbai won Best European Restaurant of the Year. Nisaba by Chef Manish Mehrotra was recognised as Best Opening of the Year.

Paris My Love, Delhi won Best Bakery & Patisserie of the Year, while The Qube at The Leela Palace, New Delhi was named Best All-Day Dining Restaurant of the Year.

The awards also recognised iconic food institutions. Aminia, Kolkata was honoured as Historic Restaurant of India, while Bukhara at ITC Maurya, Delhi received the title of Legendary Restaurant of India.

In the individual categories, Mirelle Pingfu of Masque was named F&B Professional of the Year, while Papa’s, Mumbai received the honour of Best Restaurant of the Year.

Chef Himanshu Saini was recognised as Chef of the Year (International), Doma Wang was named Best Restaurateur of the Year, and Chef Manu Chandra received the award for Chef of the Year.

The Outstanding Contribution to Indian Food honour was presented to Chef Kunal Kapur for his contribution to promoting and celebrating Indian cuisine.

As India’s food culture continues to embrace new ideas, regional diversity and culinary innovation, the NDTV Food Awards 2026 celebrated the individuals and institutions driving that transformation and shaping the future of the country’s food and hospitality industry.