A Feast of Excellence: NDTV Food Awards 2025 Crowns the Best in Food Industry
24th March 2025 – The NDTV Food Awards 2025 concluded with a grand celebration of India’s dynamic food and beverage industry. The event honored top restaurants, bars, bakeries, and emerging dining destinations, recognizing excellence across multiple categories.
A distinguished panel of experts from the food, travel, and entertainment industries judged the awards. Led by Shubham Bhatnagar, Editor of NDTV Food and Travel, and Praerna Kartha, Content Head of NDTV Food and Travel, the panel included renowned food writers, chefs, and industry veterans such as Hansal Mehta, Manjit Gill, Rocky Mohan, Rashmi Uday Singh, and Zarine Khan, among others. Their collective expertise, in conjunction with Ernst & Young LLP as the Process Advisors ensured a fair and insightful selection process.
Award Winners By Category
Modern & Regional Indian Dining
• Best Modern Indian Premium Dining – Indian Accent, Mumbai
• Best Modern Indian Casual Dining – Anardana, New Delhi
• Best Regional Indian Premium Dining – Kappa Chakka Kandhari, Chennai
• Best Regional Indian Casual Dining – Bawri, Goa
Pan Asian & Chinese Cuisine
• Best Pan Asian Premium Dining – Wabi Sabi, Bengaluru
• Best Pan Asian Casual Dining – Foo, Jio World Drive
• Best Chinese Premium Dining – Yauatcha, Mumbai
• Best Chinese Casual Dining – The Oriental Kitchen, Thiruvananthapuram
Asian Specialty & Italian Cuisine
• Best Asian Specialty Premium Dining – Megu, New Delhi
• Best Asian Specialty Casual Dining – Burma Burma, Mumbai
• Best Italian Premium Dining – Le Cirque Signature, Bengaluru
• Best Italian Casual Dining – Coco Osteria, Dehradun
North & South Indian Dining
• Best North Indian Premium Dining – Gulati Restaurant, New Delhi
• Best North Indian Casual Dining – Daryaganj, New Delhi
• Best South Indian Premium Dining – Spice Studio, Goa
• Best South Indian Casual Dining – Malabar Café, Kochi
Cafes & All-Day Dining
• Best Farm-To-Fork Restaurant – The Table, Mumbai
• Best Premium Bakery & Patisserie – Manam Chocolate Karkhana, Hyderabad
• Best Casual Bakery & Patisserie – Anjuna Coffee & Company, Goa
• Best All-Day Premium Dining – Comorin, Gurugram
• Best All-Day Casual Dining – COU COU by Oberoi, Mumbai
Nightlife & Bars
• Best 5-Star Nightclub – High Ultra Lounge, Bengaluru
• Best Standalone Nightclub – Roots Lounge, Kolkata
• Best Microbrewery – Ministry of Beer, Goa
• Best Premium Cocktail Bar – The Library Bar, New Delhi
• Best Casual Cocktail Bar – Monkey Bar, Mumbai
• Best Concept Bar – The 1911 Bar, New Delhi
Awards For Emerging Establishments
• Emerging Premium Dining – Kamei, New Delhi
• Emerging Casual Dining – Bomba Pizzeria & Taqueria, New Delhi
• Emerging Premium Bar – KOKO, Hyderabad
• Emerging Casual Bar – Hylo, Mumbai
Readers’ Choice Awards
• Restaurant For The Best Biryani – Varq, New Delhi
• Restaurant For The Best Momo – Hot Pot Restaurant, Guwahati
• Restaurant For The Best Dosa – Cafe Madras, Mumbai
• Restaurant For The Best Pizza – Queen Margherita’s Pizzeria, Mumbai
• Restaurant For The Best Butter Chicken – Chicken Inn, Gurugram
• Best Food Content Creator – Guntas Sethi
Editors’ Choice Awards
• Mixologist of the Year – Navjot Singh
• Chef of the Year – Shantanu Mehrotra
• Rising Star Chef of the Year – Vardaan Marwah
• Restaurateur of the Year – Rohit Khattar
• Excellence in Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine – Luke Coutinho
• Energetic Chef Restaurateur of the Year – Avinash Martins
STAAH Expands Global Presence with Sayaji Hotels Partnership in MoU Signed with New Zealand PM
India and New Zealand share a growing economic relationship, and the hospitality sector presents significant opportunities for collaboration. As technology continues to transform the way businesses operate, partnerships like this one between STAAH and Sayaji Hotels demonstrate the power of innovation in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency. I am pleased to see New Zealand’s expertise in hospitality technology contributing to India’s dynamic and fast-evolving tourism industry,” said New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The hospitality landscape is evolving rapidly, and technology is now at the core of optimizing operations and enhancing guest experiences. Our partnership with Sayaji Hotels is a testament to the growing demand for smart, cloud-based solutions that drive efficiency and revenue growth. At STAAH, we are committed to empowering hotels with cutting-edge technology that enables them to stay ahead in a competitive market. We look forward to a successful collaboration that delivers tangible value to Sayaji Hotels and its guests,” said Tarun Joukani, Director at STAAH.“At Sayaji Hotels, we continuously strive to blend tradition with innovation, offering world- class experiences to our guests. This partnership with STAAH is a strategic step toward integrating advanced digital solutions that streamline operations and optimize revenue management,” said Jameel Sayed, Director at Sayaji Hotels. “By leveraging STAAH’s expertise, we aim to enhance our distribution capabilities, improve efficiency, and provide seamless experiences to our guests across all our properties.”
Continental India Wins Multiple Awards at ACMA Excellence Awards 2024
Gurugram, India, March 24, 2025: Continental’s Gurgaon Plant won the ACMA Excellence Award 2024 for “Excellence in Digitalization” and secured Certificate of Merit for “Excellence in Manufacturing” and “Excellence in Export”. The 59th edition of ACMA Excellence Awards & 10th AMF Technology Summit recognizes the outstanding achievements in quality, innovation, and sustainability within the automotive component supply chain. The awards are a testimony to Continental’s digitalization and continuous improvement, along with its commitment towards localization in manufacturing.
ACMA honored the outstanding accomplishments and efforts of a large number of automotive component makers, who took home awards across different categories. This honor acknowledges Continental’s years of hard work in manufacturing and operational excellence and will further advance the company’s global competitiveness.
Thrilled by the achievements, Prashanth Doreswamy, President and CEO, Continental India said, “This recognition validates Continental India’s efforts towards operational excellence and digitalization. These awards are an attestation to the company’s commitment to innovation, process excellence, and digital transformation in manufacturing. Guided by our ‘in the market, for the market’ approach, we remain focused on localization, sustainability, and global competitiveness, driving us forward as we contribute to the future of mobility. At Continental, we continuously strive to set new benchmarks in technology, further strengthening our position in the evolving automotive landscape. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our team at the Gurgaon plant for their dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Anudeep Garg, Head of the Gurgaon Plant, Continental Automotive India, said, “We are grateful for the recognition and are immensely proud. These achievements underscore Gurgaon Plant’s commitment to Industry 4.0 adoption, process optimization, and global competitiveness. The recognitions serve as a testament to our team’s dedication to digital innovation, cutting-edge manufacturing practices, while expanding our global reach. With these accolades, we continue to strengthen our position as an industry leader, setting new benchmarks in operational excellence and technological advancement. I extend my gratitude to our team for their relentless pursuit of excellence and to our partners for their continued support in this journey.”
Digitalization Efforts at Gurgaon Plant
Continental has embraced the digitalization and automation of diverse processes in pursuit of creating a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem. Right from the production line to top management, the company believes in promoting the culture of meritocracy. Symbolic of a smart factory, the Gurgaon Plant has incorporated cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), 3D Printing and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems).
These technologies help in providing a fast response, reduce downtime and result in the reduction of manufacturing costs as they also support inhouse manufacturing of some spare parts. Tools like MES and e-Jidoka support automated reporting, enhanced quality of the products and big data analysis. These technlogies have been seamlessly integrated into the shop floor of the Gurgaon Plant. These innovations enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance with quality standards, maintain precision and consistency, and foster a high level of transparency across the manufacturing process.
Anudeep further added, “The Gurgaon Plant represents our dedication to localization in manufacturing, reinforcing our commitment to building a globally competitive and future-ready ecosystem.”
Fasting for Faith or Fitness? Comparing Ramadan and Intermittent Fasting
Ms. Shivani Sharma, Dietitian/Clinical Nutritionist, Milann Fertility Hospital, Bengaluru
Fasting have been in practice for centuries, whether for religious, spiritual, or health reasons. It is widely recognized for its metabolic and health benefits, but Ramadan fasting and Intermittent Fasting (IF) differ in keyways.
Intermittent Fasting (IF) follows a structured pattern like 16:8 or 18:6(fasting for 16/18 hours, eating within an 6/8-hour window) where individuals fast for set hours or alternate-day fasting while still drinking water and non-caloric beverages and provides flexibility in food choices during eating periods. It is primarily adopted for weight management, metabolic health, and longevity.
Ramadan fasting, on the other hand, observed during the holy month of Ramadan, follows a stricter regimen for 29-30days. It requires complete abstinence from food and water from dawn to dusk. The fast is broken at sunset (Iftar) and resumes at dawn (Suhoor). Unlike IF, Ramadan fasting is spiritual, focusing on self-discipline, gratitude, and devotion.
Though both involve periods of abstaining from food and drink, the key difference lies in their structure, purpose, and impact on health.
Health Benefits of Both Fasting Types:
- Both fasting styles promoteweight loss and fat metabolism by reducing calorie intake and enhancing fat burning. IF provides a structured approach to weight management, while Ramadan fasting can lead to weight fluctuations depending on food choices during Iftar and Suhoor.
- Studies show that fasting periodshelp regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. IF has been particularly linked to improved glucose metabolism while fasting during Ramadan also benefits those without pre-existing metabolic disorders.
- Fasting triggers autophagy, a natural process where the body removes damaged cells i.e.cellular repair, and regenerates new ones.
- Fasting gives the digestive system a break,improving gut microbiome balance and reducing bloating. However, heavy meals after fasting (especially during Ramadan) can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort.
- Both fasting stylesenhance focus, cognitive function, and emotional resilience. Ramadan fasting fosters a sense of mindfulness, while IF has been linked to improved brain health and mood stabilization.
Clinical Tip:
While both fasting styles offer health benefits, mindful eating is key. Hydration & nutrient-dense meals are crucial to prevent fatigue and dehydration during Ramadan fasting, especially for individuals with diabetes, pregnancy, or chronic conditions. Regardless of the approach, fasting—when done correctly—can be a powerful tool for both body and mind.
Sivara Jewellery Expands Its Legacy with a Timeless Beauty Brand, Redefining Elegance
March 24, 2025 Sivara, a new luxury jewellery brand, is proud to announce its official launch, offering timeless beauty through exquisite craftsmanship and elegant designs. The brand aims to redefine modern luxury by combining traditional artistry with contemporary aesthetics, creating jewellery pieces that speak to the soul.
Founded by Sachin Kumar, Sivara seeks to offer its customers more than just adornment, but a story of grace, elegance, and enduring beauty. Each piece is meticulously crafted to cater to those with a taste for refined luxury and a passion for timeless design.
Sachin Kumar, Founder of Sivara , said: “Sivara is not just a jewellery brand; it is a celebration of timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Our creations are designed to transcend trends, offering pieces that will be cherished for generations. We aim to bring a unique blend of heritage and innovation to the world of fine jewellery, offering our customers something truly special.”
Sivara Jewellery’s debut collection will feature a range of luxurious pieces, from classic designs to more contemporary styles, all made with the finest materials and attention to detail. The brand’s commitment to quality ensures each piece is crafted to perfection, making it a worthy investment for those who appreciate elegance and sophistication.
For more information or to explore the collection, visit https://www.shopsivara.com/
We are offering a 10% discount to the first 10 customers. Help us grow and achieve our milestones. Sivara specializes in imitation jewellery featuring high-class designs tailored for its target audience
Covestro Completes Modernization of Dormagen TDI Plant
Covestro has successfully completed the modernization of its TDI (Toluene Diisocyanate) plant in Dormagen. At an event with around 60 invited guests from politics, business, and staff, including North Rhine-Westphalia Environmental Minister Oliver Krischer, Covestro officially commissioned the plant and announced its new target for increasing energy efficiency in production.
“The successful completion of this project shows that climate protection and competitiveness can go hand in hand,” says Dr. Philip Bahke, Head of the North Rhine-Westphalia Site Network. “The modernized plant sets new standards in energy efficiency and underlines our path toward climate-neutral production. In light of persistently high energy costs, the project significantly strengthens the competitiveness of TDI production in Europe. My special thanks go to the entire project team, who professionally implemented this complex modernization during ongoing operations.”
More Efficient Processes for More Sustainable Products
The modernized plant consumes 80 percent less energy than conventional processes, achieving a CO2 reduction of 22,000 tons per year. This is made possible by a new reactor weighing over 150 tons (330,700 lbs) and almost 20 meters (65.6 feet) high, which uses the generated reaction energy for steam production. Covestro started the modernization in summer 2023. In total, the project installed over 3.5 kilometers of new pipelines, around 14 kilometers of cables, and hundreds of new equipment, valves, and monitoring instruments in the plant.
“In Dormagen, we operate Europe’s largest TDI production plant. With the successful modernization, we can now offer our customers TDI with an even better carbon footprint,” explains Dr. Christine Mendoza-Frohn, Head of Sales Performance Materials for the EMEA and LATAM regions. “This supports our customers in achieving their own sustainability goals and strengthens our position as a reliable partner for climate-neutral and circular solutions.”
New Global Energy Efficiency Targets Presented
During the event, Covestro also presented its new, ambitious energy efficiency target for global production. The company targets a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from energy use per ton of product by 2030 compared to 2020, underlining the central importance of energy efficiency as a lever for achieving operational climate neutrality by 2035. The Dormagen TDI plant, with its annual capacity of 300,000 tons, serves as a prime example of the successful transformation of existing production facilities toward greater energy efficiency.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has supported this modernization through its federal funding program for energy and resource efficiency.
Fit Krishna Movement Embraces Holistic Health and a Positive Outlook
When you feel healthy, you feel limitless. That’s what being ‘on top of the world’ truly means. Good health is not a destination—it’s a way of life. When we prioritise our well-being, we unlock our best selves. Today’s incredible participation reinforces the strength of our values—togetherness, positivity, and a healthy lifestyle. The Fit Krishna Movement isn’t just about running—it’s about creating a future where positivity, performance, and purpose are all driven by a shared commitment to well-being._” said Mr. Kapur.
The Sweet Secret Behind Your Favourite Baked Treats
By: Rima Rao is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant.
Baked goods aren’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth—they’re tiny bundles of joy that bring comfort, energy, and delight to your day. But have you ever wondered what makes your cupcakes so moist, your muffins so tender, or your croissants so perfectly flaky? Among the many ingredients that contribute to these irresistible qualities, there’s one unsung hero: palm oil.
You may not bake with palm oil directly, but chances are it’s already a part of your daily diet. As the world’s most widely consumed vegetable oil, it quietly works its magic in countless packaged products on supermarket shelves. When it comes to baking, palm oil stands out for its efficiency, versatility, and ability to elevate everything from flaky pastries to golden loaves of bread.
Why Bakers Stand by Palm Oil
Palm oil is more than just another ingredient—it’s the cornerstone of quality in baking. Its semi-solid nature and stabilising beta prime polymorphic form make it ideal for creating smooth textures and aerated batters. This means it traps air bubbles in mixtures, helping cakes rise to perfection while ensuring the soft, tender crumb.
A key advantage of palm oil is its ability to blend seamlessly into recipes without altering flavours. At the same time, it extends the shelf life of baked goods by preventing unwanted flavour changes, thanks to only a trace amount of linolenic acid. This makes it an excellent choice for ensuring freshness over time.
Beyond functionality, palm oil’s unique properties contribute to superior results. It promotes beta prime crystallisation, forming fine fat crystals that create smooth, creamy textures. Its high palmitic acid content enhances aeration in fat-sugar mixes, ensuring light and fluffy baked treats. These features make palm oil indispensable for bakers who value consistent quality.
The Science of Success
Studies reveal that palm-based fats (PBF) outperform alternatives like lauric-based fat (LBF) and sunflower oil (SFO) in baking. The results showed PBF to be the best sample due to the suitable properties such as concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid, volume, texture, and colour properties of the cake. PBF also offers a balanced mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, giving cakes texture, colour, and shelf stability.
Research shows that palm oil’s unique composition contributes to desirable cookie textures, with a softer bite linked to higher proportions of saturated fatty acids and smaller microstructure sizes. These findings underscore why palm oil remains a staple for professional bakers worldwide.
A Healthier Choice
For those seeking healthier alternatives, palm oil offers a smarter solution. Unlike partially hydrogenated fats, notorious for harmful trans fats, palm oil is naturally trans-fat-free due to its semi-solid nature that eliminates the need for chemical hydrogenation.
What’s more, palm oil is packed with nutritional benefits. Rich in vitamin E, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, it’s not just a functional ingredient but also a wholesome addition that enhances the flavour and texture of baked treats while supporting overall health. With these advantages, palm oil has earned a place in the recommendations of nutritionists, who advocate its use in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Future of Education in Nepal Strengthened as Zamit & Medhavi Launch Transformative Initiative
24th March 2025: Zamit, a leading AI-driven ecosystem for future-ready education, is excited to announce its partnership with Medhavi Education & Skills Solution, Nepal. This collaboration aims to drive innovation in education by equipping teachers and students with cutting-edge resources, future-ready learning solutions, and skill development opportunities.
Through this partnership, Zamit and Medhavi will work together to introduce AI-powered educational tools, personalized learning experiences, and upskilling programs that empower educators and learners across Nepal. The initiative aligns with both organizations’ vision of enhancing the quality and accessibility of education in the region.
Shedding light on the same, Alka Verma, Resident Director, Zamit, shared, “We are delighted to collaborate with Medhavi Education & Skills Solution to bring future-focused learning solutions to Nepal. This partnership marks a significant step in our mission to enhance education through AI-driven insights, skill-based learning, and innovative teaching methodologies. Together, we aim to empower educators with advanced tools and equip students with future-ready competencies, ensuring they can thrive in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven world. By combining Zamit’s expertise in personalized learning with Medhavi’s deep-rooted presence in Nepal’s education sector, we are committed to driving meaningful change and shaping a more resilient and adaptable learning ecosystem.”
Mr. Ashim Kharel, Founder and Managing Director at Medhavi Education & Skills Solution, voiced, “At Medhavi Education & Skills Solution, we are committed to equipping students and educators with the skills and knowledge needed for a rapidly evolving world. Our partnership with Zamit aligns perfectly with this vision, as it brings AI-powered learning solutions and future-ready methodologies to Nepal. By working together, we aim to bridge learning gaps, enhance teacher training, and create dynamic educational experiences that empower the next generation. We look forward to this collaboration driving meaningful transformation in Nepal’s education landscape.”
This partnership between Zamit and Medhavi Education & Skills Solution marks a significant step toward transforming education in Nepal. By integrating AI-driven insights, personalized learning, and innovative teaching methodologies, the collaboration aims to empower students and educators with future-ready skills. As Zamit and Medhavi roll out new initiatives, this alliance will drive meaningful change, ensuring education in Nepal remains dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
1st Perioperative Medicine Conclave Begins at AIG Hospitals
Hyderabad, March 24, 2025...The two-day Perioperative Medicine Conclave which began on Saturday at AIG Hospitals, Gachibowli concluded on Sunday evening. It is its first edition of the conclave. It was organised jointly by Society of Perioperative Physician Anaesthesiologists (SOPPA) and AIG informed Dr Sunil T Pandya, a member of SOPPA and Chief, Dept. of Anaesthesia, Perioperative Medicine & Critical Care, AIG Hospitals.
This conference has brought together perioperative physicians (anaesthesiologists), from around the globe, to explore the evolving field of perioperative medicine, which focuses on the comprehensive care of surgical patients, from preoperative assessment through postoperative recovery, either as day care procedures or in the Surgical Critical Care.
This is for the first time a conference on perioperative medicine was conducted as said by Dr.Sunil T Pandya, chief of Anaesthesia, perioperative medicine and critical care at AIG hospitals.
The meeting was opened by the director of AIG Hospital Dr G.V. Rao along with SOPPA office bearers.
Perioperative medicine is increasingly recognized as a critical component of patient care, aiming to optimize outcomes by managing medical conditions throughout the surgical journey.
This multidisciplinary approach not only improves patient safety but also enhances overall surgical success, felt many speakers who spoke during the conclave
The Advisor of SOPPA, Dr.Manimala Rao emphasised the expanded Role of the anaesthesiologist as perioperative Physician. Dr N. Satyanarayana, President of SOPPA and Dr Raja Nursing Rao, Secretary SOPPA reiterated Dr. Manimala’s views. Anaesthesiologists are invisible doctors and now they seek their due recognition.
All the office ears of SOPPA felt that Anesthesiologists though are highly skilled and play a very crucial in patient safety, are often ignored, and less recognized than their peer physicians because they work behind the scenes, their role is often misunderstood, and they don’t have the same level of public-facing interactions as surgeons or primary care doctors. Anesthesiologists are as competent doctors as their physician colleagues are
The Conclave had a Live Workshop on Advanced RA Blocks; Tee & Advanced; and Haemodynamic Monitoring. It had Specialty Symposiums; Dialogue with Specialists, Walk the talk with experts, Clinical Pathways, Patient Safety & Satisfaction metrics, Panels, interactive sessions & Many more