By Mewati Sitaram
The recently concluded third edition of the Better Kitchen Awards 2025 at Novotel Mumbai International Airport brought together over 300 distinguished professionals from the culinary, hospitality, and HoReCa sectors. The evening celebrated outstanding talent, innovation, and leadership within kitchens across India and beyond.
Widely regarded as one of the most anticipated events in the hospitality calendar, the Better Kitchen Awards honour individuals, institutions, and brands who have made significant contributions to the growth and evolution of the industry. This year’s edition highlighted the theme of ‘Nari Shakti’, recognising the critical role of women in transforming the culinary and hospitality landscape.
Chef Abhijeet, Executive Chef, Novotel Westlands, Nairobi with GM Fabio Gonsalves and Chef Satish Arora (Photo: Mewati Sitaram MM)
Speaking to Mumbai Messenger, Grand Master Chef Satish Arora shared his admiration for the platform. “The Better Kitchen Awards are a remarkable platform that truly celebrates the unsung heroes of our industry. They not only recognize excellence and innovation but also inspire the next generation to uphold the highest standards in culinary and hospitality arts. Such recognition motivates professionals to continuously push boundaries, embrace creativity, and contribute meaningfully to India’s growing global culinary footprint,” he said.
Chef Arora’s sentiments were echoed by other industry leaders present at the event, who praised the initiative for its integrity, inclusiveness, and its role in building bridges between industry veterans and emerging talent. The awards ceremony also saw the launch of Global Triumph: Indian Chefs & Cuisines, a coffee table book featuring 103 recipes from Indian-origin chefs across the globe, charting the global journey of Indian cuisine.
Organised by Better Kitchen and led by publisher Ekkta Bhargava, the event also included expert panel discussions on sustainability, innovation, and hospitality education. A new bi-monthly magazine, Incredible Miles, was also announced, aimed at promoting India’s travel and tourism sectors alongside hospitality.
Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi and Chef Satish arora at Award Event (Photo: Mewati Sitaram MM)
Chef Dayashankar Sharma, owner of the Michelin-starred The Heritage Restaurant in Dulwich, London, was specially flown in from the UK along with his wife to receive the prestigious honour at the Better Kitchen Awards 2025. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, he said, “It is a true privilege to be recognised on such a prestigious global platform. The Better Kitchen Awards go far beyond simply bestowing accolades — they bring together the finest culinary talent from around the world, encouraging inspiration, collaboration, and a shared pursuit of excellence that uplifts the global culinary community and shapes its future.”
Sharing a similar sentiment, Abhijeet Bagwe, Pre-opening Executive Chef at Novotel Westlands, Nairobi, who was specially flown in for the event and honoured as a Global Chef, remarked, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. The Better Kitchen Awards are highly respected not only in India but also internationally. In Nairobi, the hospitality community holds this platform in high regard, viewing it as a benchmark for excellence and professional achievement. Being acknowledged here affirms the importance of commitment, passion, and the value of cross-cultural culinary exchange in shaping the future of our industry.”
As the evening concluded, it became clear that the Better Kitchen Awards are more than just accolades — they are a call for continued excellence, collaboration, and global recognition for India’s culinary talent.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
