Indian Restaurant Awards 2025 Categories | Food & Hospitality Honors

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Awards Categories

The Culinary Innovation Awards celebrate excellence, creativity, and impact across the food and beverage industry. From visionary chefs and cutting-edge menus to breakthrough products and technologies, these awards honor individuals and brands that are shaping the future of food with innovation, sustainability, and passion.

Culinary & Food Innovation Awards

Frozen Food of the Year For outstanding taste, quality, and convenience in a frozen food product
Best Bakery product Awarded for excellence in taste, texture, and creativity in baked goods
Meat/Poultry Item of the Year Recognizes top-quality meat or poultry with exceptional flavor and sourcing
Plant-based Product of the Year For a standout plant-based innovation offering great taste and sustainability
Dairy Product of the Year Celebrates superior flavor, texture, and quality in a dairy product
Beverage Brand of the Year (Liquor) Honors innovation, flavor, and quality in a liquor brand
Beverage Brand of the Year (Non-liquor) Awarded for excellence in taste, appeal, and innovation in non-alcoholic beverages
Sauce, Condiment, or Preservative of the Year For bold flavor and versatility in culinary use
Herbs and Spice Innovation of the Year Recognizes game-changing innovation in herbs or spices
Ready-to-Cook Product of the Year Awarded for convenience and quality in ready-to-cook meals
Ready to Eat Product of the Year For top-tier taste and innovation in ready-to-eat foods
Automation in Food Service of the Year Honors the best tech solution enhancing food service efficiency
Supply Chain Enabler of the Year Recognizes excellence in optimizing the food supply chain
Ice Cream & Dessert Brand of the Year Awarded for creativity, flavor, and innovation in frozen treats
Beverages Mix of the Year (syrups, crushes) Awarded for creativity, flavor, and innovation in frozen treats
Seafood Product of the Year Celebrates freshness, quality, and sustainability in seafood
Organic Food Supplier of the Year Recognizes commitment to quality and sustainability in organic food
Cooking Oil & Spray of the Year Awarded for performance, health value, and innovation
Kitchen Equipment Manufacturer of the Year For excellence in culinary equipment innovation and design
Commercial Kitchen Appliances of the Year Honors top performance and impact in kitchen appliances.
Snacks & Confectionery Product of the Year For irresistible flavor and creativity in snacks or sweets

CULINARY INNOVATION (Leading Chef Award)

Best Food Culinarian Award Celebrates a chef with exceptional expertise and culinary mastery
Best Sustainability-Inspired Menu Honors a chef for crafting a menu rooted in sustainable, eco-conscious practices
Best Farm-to-Fork Menu Recognizes a menu that champions fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Super Food Menu of the year Awarded for innovative use of nutrient-rich superfoods in a menu
GM of the Year
Executive Chef of the Year Celebrates leadership and excellence at the helm of the kitchen
Best Food Artist Recognizes creativity and finesse in food presentation
Best Heritage-Inspired Menu Honors the revival and reinvention of traditional or lost recipes
Best Wellness Tourism cuisine Awarded for creating a cuisine focused on health, wellness, and travel
Sous Chef of the Year Recognizes a sous chef's skill, support, and kitchen leadership
Pastry/ Bakery Chef of the Year Recognizes a sous chef's skill, support, and kitchen leadership
Celebrity Chef of the Year Honors a chef whose fame and influence have shaped culinary culture
Young Chef of the Year Awarded to a rising chef showing exceptional talent and promise
Beverage Innovator of the Year Recognizes creative and trendsetting beverage concepts
Best Menu Revamp Celebrates a successful transformation of an existing menu
Best Chef Influencer Honors a chef who inspires through media, content, and public engagement
Chef-Entrepreneur of the Year Recognizes culinary success through business ventures and innovation
Best Small Plates & Hors d’Oeuvres Menu Honors a menu that excels in creativity and flavor in small plates
Best Buffet Innovation Awarded for creativity and effectiveness in buffet design and execution
Best Signature dish by popular choice Recognizes the most loved dish as chosen by diners
Lifetime Achievement of the Year Honors 30–40 years of remarkable contribution to the culinary arts
Home Chef of the Year Celebrates outstanding culinary talent from a non-professional chef
Chef-Author of the Year Recognizes excellence in culinary writing and publishing
Chef-Caterer of the Year Honors creativity and service excellence in catering
Cruise Chef of the Year Awarded for delivering exceptional cuisine on the high seas
Culinary School of the Year Recognizes excellence in culinary education and training outcomes
Woman Chef of the Year Celebrates outstanding achievement by a female chef in the industry
Corporate Chef of the Year Honors top culinary performance in a corporate food service setting
F&B Director of the Year Recognizes visionary leadership in food and beverage operations
Corporate Office Food Chef/ Canteen Chef Award of the Year Awarded for excellence in culinary service within corporate dining
Chef Mentor of the Year Celebrates a chef’s impact through guidance and mentorship

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Indian Restaurant Awards are national awards whose prime focus is to create recognition for the food & beverage industry. These are the only registered awards in the country. By nominationing for Indian Restaurant Awards , you have an opportunity to showcase your excellence and achievements in the F & B Industry. It allows brands and Restaurateurs to gain recognition, enhance brand reputation, and stand out against competition. The awards celebrate your hard work, innovation and contribution to the food industry.

Indian Restaurant Awards 2025

Restaurant of the Year This category recognises the very best in a dining experience as evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
NightClub of the Year This category recognises a night club with best in a night life experience as evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
Casual Dining Chain This category recognises the restaurant chain offering the best casual dining experience
Newcomer Restaurant of the Year This category recognises new arrival in the food world across India which has created an immediate buzz and become the place to be seen with customers. Restaurant needs to be less than 2 years old.
Debutant Restaurant of the Year This category recognises new arrival in the food world across India which has created an immediate buzz and become the place to be seen with customers. Restaurant needs to be less than 1 year old.
Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year This category recognizes dining establishment that seamlessly blends exceptional cuisine with a unique, immersive experience, creating a destination where food, ambiance, and lifestyle intersect
QSR Chain of the Year This category recognises QSR chain across India offering quick service atmosphere that serves freshly prepared authentic foods in a fast service format.
Fine-dining Restaurant of the Year This category recognises a fine dine restaurant across India that provides the best dining experiences evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
Luxury Restaurant of the Year This category recognises Luxury restaurant across India that provides the best dining experiences evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
Independent Restaurant of the Year his category recognises the standalone restaurant in a dining experience as evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
All Day Dining Restaurant of the Year Restaurant offering the best 24 hour dining experience
Foreign Cuisine Restaurant of the Year
Indian Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Recognizing the establishment that excels in delivering authentic and exceptional Indian flavors.
Regional Restaurant- North/South/East/West/Central Honoring the top dining spot that captures the unique regional essence and culinary traditions of its specific area
Casual dining Restaurant of the Year (Standalone) Awarded to the best independent casual dining venue known for its relaxed atmosphere and outstanding food.
Fusion Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Recognizing the restaurant that masterfully blends diverse culinary traditions into innovative dishes.
Excellence in Street Food & Operations This award recognizes establishments that have elevated the traditional Indian street food experience through exceptional operational efficiency, innovative menu development, adherence to hygiene standards, and scalable business models, while consistently delivering unforgettable, authentic flavors
Best QSR/Casual Dining Concept of the Year This category celebrates Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) or casual dining establishments that exemplify excellence in operational consistency, speed of service, menu innovation, customer value proposition, and overall market impact within the street food or casual dining segment.
Premier Family Dining Experience Acknowledges restaurants that consistently provide an exceptional and inclusive dining experience suitable for families, characterized by diverse and appealing menu varieties, accommodating facilities, and an ambiance that fosters memorable shared moments.
Best Vegetarian Experience Acknowledges restaurants that specialize in vegetarian cuisine, offering innovative and flavorful dishes
Authentic Local Cuisine Restaurant Recognizes restaurants that offer authentic ethnic/ local cuisines, promoting cultural diversity through food.
Best Tech-Driven Restaurant Experience Honors restaurants that have effectively integrated technology to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Icon / Professional Awards

Baker of the Year This category recognises a bakery chef for his baking abilities
Woman in Restaurant Business This category recognises a Woman who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business
Marketing Leader of the Year The award recognizes the professional with high-quality, drool-inducing campaigns – online and offline - carried out by a restaurant that led to an increase in revenue; the unique concepts and out-of-the-box food challenges that helped restaurants improve sales.
Restaurant Manager of the Year This category recognises restaurant manager who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business
Technology Leader of the Year The award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of technology in food service and restaurant business
Procurement Leader of the Year The award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of Procurement in food service and restaurant business
Food Director of the Year The award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of purchasing, strong human relations, communication and business management skills in food service and restaurant business
Business Operations Leader of the Year The award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of the foodservice operations in food service and restaurant business
Supply Chain Leader of the Year The award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of the building vendor and supplier relationships in food service and restaurant business
Digital Influencer Award The award recognizes the professional for using digital media to influence audience behaviour in the most creative way in food service and restaurant business
Business Development Leader of the Year The award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of the foodservice development in food service and restaurant business
Financial Leader of the Year The award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of the finance in food service and restaurant business
PR Professional of the Year ( Inhouse/ Independent PRs) The award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of their contribution in the food service and restaurants

Innovation Awards

Vegan Restaurant of the Year This category recognises restaurant that offers the best vegan food in India
Cloud Kitchen of the Year This category recognises the outstanding brand that serves food based on Cloud Kitchen model in India.
Community Restaurant of the Year This category recognises restaurants that makes a difference through their CSR initiative
Most Creative Dining Concept This category recognises restaurants with unique dining concept
Authentic Restaurant of the Year This category recognises restaurants promoting the culinary heritage of its region through skill, produce and sourcing.
Farm to Table Resturant of the Year This category recognises restaurants which source their ingredients direct from their own farms
Circular Restaurant Award This category recognises restaurants which leave ecological impact and have great waste control systems
Best Use of Social Media This category recognises restaurants which has the best use of social media
Best Pivot by A Restaurant Business This category recognises restaurants which have pivoted to new and creative business ideas
Game Changer Award This category recognises Restaurant who has campaigned to change kitchen and industry culture

Business Excellence Awards

Restaurant Technology Award Honouring the technologically brand solution catering to Restaurant industry
Best Business Practices Award This category recognises a Restaurant business that follows best business practices for continuous improvement
Operational Excellence Award This category recognises a Restaurant business that best demonstrates where they have applied continuous improvement to their operations
Business Growth Award This category recognises the restaurant that has shown a remarkable growth in the last few years
Best Customer Experience of the Year This category recognises the best Restaurant / Bar / Cafe offering the best service to its customer.
Marketing campaign of the Year This category recognises the high-quality, drool-inducing campaigns – online and offline - carried out by a restaurant that led to an increase in revenue; the unique concepts and out-of-the-box food challenges that helped restaurants improve sales.
Business Transformation Award This category recognises a Restaurant business that has shown continuous improvement over the years.
Heart of the Workplace Award This category recognises the company that demonstrates significant commitment to and investment in their employees and communities.
Food Court Restaurant of the Year This category recognises Restaurant who has cracked the science to achieve efficiency in small space
Digital Engagement This category recognises restaurants which has the highest digital Engagement
Most Engaging Brand on Social Media Celebrates restaurants that effectively engage with customers through social media, building a strong online community.
Loyalty Program of the Year Honors restaurants that have developed innovative loyalty programs, rewarding and retaining customers
Best Online Ordering Experience Recognizes restaurants that offer seamless and user-friendly online ordering platforms, enhancing customer convenience

Luminaries Awards

Woman CEO of the Year This category recognises a Woman who excels in all facets of the restaurant business, driving success and innovation through exceptional management and strategic insight
Best Chef led Restaurant A chef led Restaurant serving delectable dishes
Restaurant Entrepreneur of the Year This category recognises restaurant owner who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business
Woman Restaurant Leader of the Year This category recognises Woman who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurants.
Young Restaurateur of the Year (Below 35) This category recognises a young restaurant owner who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business. Should be under 35 years of age
Best Restaurant Consultant Award This category recognises the best restaurant consultant that has advised and mentored people and has helped them in running successful restaurants
Lifetime Achievement of the Year This category recognises the individual who has made the greatest impact on the food world in India in the past year in terms of quantitative business increase and most outstanding quality of service.
CEO of the Year This category recognises restaurant professional who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business

Menu Innovation Awards

Best Menu Culinarian Award This category recognises restaurant serving most innovative & delicious cuisines in India
Green Restaurant of the Year This category recognises restaurants which are practicing eco-friendly techniques
Food Excellence of the Year Award This category recognises the restaurant for achieving precise standardization and strong quality control

Legacy Brand Awards

Iconic Indian Restaurant Brand Recognizing a restaurant brand that has consistently delivered excellence and maintained cultural relevance over many years.
Heritage Hotel Dining Experience of the Year Recognizing hotels restaurants or culinary programs that have set a benchmark for dining and hospitality over the years.
Legendary Indian Hospitality Brand (Hotel Category) For iconic 5-star hotel brands that have played a pioneering role in shaping India’s hospitality landscape.

Bevrages & Bars

Brewery Of The Year This category recognises a brewery for its craft beer and food
Coffee Chain of the Year This category recognises a Coffee Chain for its wide variety of coffee, customer service and ambience
Tea Cafe of the Year This category recognises a tea cafe for its wide variety of tea, customer service and ambience
Craft Distillery of the Year For excellence in small-batch spirits like gin, whisky, vodka
Best Wine & Dine Experience Celebrates restaurants that offer exceptional wine pairings and dining experiences, catering to connoisseurs.
Bar Chain of the Year For multi-location bar brands showing quality and consistency

Café & Bakery Awards

Bakery of the Year Acknowledging the bakery that consistently delivers top-quality, delectable baked goods and exceptional service.
Heritage Bakery Brand of the Year Recognizing long-standing legacy bakeries with historical value
Best Dessert Bar of the Year Recognizes establishments that specialize in desserts, offering a unique and delightful experience for sweet enthusiasts.

Restaurant Design Awards

Best Restaurant Design & Ambience Award Honoring restaurants that demonstrate outstanding interior design, architectural brilliance, and overall ambiance, creating a visually stunning and cohesive dining environment that significantly enhances the customer journey and brand identity
Best Restaurant theme This category recognises restaurants with the most experiential ambience.
Best Sustainable Design For restaurants incorporating eco-friendly architecture, materials, and energy-efficient solutions.
Best Café Design/ Microbrewery Design/ Lounge Design/ QSR Design

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