The NDTV Food Awards 2026 are set to celebrate the very best of India’s culinary landscape, honoring the restaurants, chefs, hospitality professionals and industry leaders who continue to shape the country’s evolving food culture. The awards ceremony will be held on June 15, 2026, at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, bringing together some of the biggest names from the food and hospitality world. Judged by an esteemed panel of experts led by renowned food critic Vir Sanghvi, the awards recognize excellence across a wide range of categories that reflect the diversity, creativity and innovation of India’s dining scene.
Honoring restaurants that deliver an exceptional Chinese dining experience through authentic flavours, culinary excellence and impeccable hospitality.
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Recognizing establishments that showcase the precision, craftsmanship and artistry that define outstanding Japanese cuisine.
Celebrating restaurants that bring together the diverse flavors of Asia while delivering a memorable and high-quality dining experience.
Recognizing restaurants that excel in showcasing the rich culinary traditions and iconic flavors of North India.

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Honoring establishments that elevate South India’s diverse food heritage through exceptional cooking and authentic flavours.
Celebrating restaurants that spotlight India’s lesser-known regional cuisines and culinary traditions with excellence and authenticity.
Recognizing restaurants that reimagine Indian cuisine through innovation while remaining rooted in its rich culinary heritage.
Honoring establishments that push the boundaries of Indian dining through creativity, originality and fresh culinary ideas.
Celebrating restaurants that capture the essence of Italian cuisine through exceptional ingredients, technique and hospitality.

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Recognizing establishments that offer outstanding European dining experiences across a range of regional culinary traditions.
Honoring new restaurants that have made an immediate impact on the dining landscape through concept, execution and guest experience.
Celebrating bakeries and patisseries that delight customers with exceptional baked goods, desserts and craftsmanship.
Recognizing restaurants that consistently deliver quality food and service across breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between.
Honoring establishments that have played a significant role in India’s culinary history and continue to remain relevant across generations.

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Recognizing iconic institutions that have left an enduring mark on the country’s dining culture and food heritage.
Celebrating individuals whose leadership, expertise and dedication have made a notable impact on the food and beverage industry.
The highest restaurant honor, recognizing an establishment that has demonstrated excellence across cuisine, service, innovation and guest experience.
Honoring an international chef whose culinary vision and achievements have influenced and inspired the global dining community.
Recognizing industry leaders who have successfully built exceptional dining brands while contributing to the growth of hospitality.
Celebrating individuals whose work has significantly enriched India’s food culture, culinary knowledge and gastronomic landscape.
Honoring a chef whose talent, creativity and dedication have helped define excellence in contemporary dining.
The NDTV Food Awards 2026 reflect the breadth and diversity of India’s food ecosystem, celebrating everyone from pioneering chefs and restaurateurs to beloved institutions and emerging culinary stars. Together, these categories shine a spotlight on the people and establishments shaping the future of food in India.
For more information about the NDTV Food Awards 2026, click here.