Avartana Wins Prestigious Title at NDTV Food Awards 2026
Avartana, a culinary gem from Chennai, has been honored as the Most Innovative Indian Restaurant at the prestigious NDTV Food Awards 2026. This award celebrates restaurants that push the boundaries of Indian cuisine through creativity, novel ideas, and bold new approaches. The accolade was presented by jury chairperson and renowned food critic Vir Sanghvi, alongside NDTV CEO and Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal. The award was accepted by Anil Chadha, Divisional Vice President of ITC Hotels, and the Avartana team from ITC Grand Chola, Chennai.
A Culinary Journey of Innovation
Before announcing the winner, Vir Sanghvi shared a personal anecdote about the inception of Avartana. He recalled his first experience with a modern South Indian tasting menu at the ITC Grand Chola. At the time, the concept of presenting South Indian cuisine as a curated tasting experience, rather than typical à la carte dishes, was unconventional.
Sanghvi highlighted that the team took a risk by offering only a tasting menu format, a decision that ultimately transformed perceptions of South Indian dining.
Information shared during the ceremony revealed the inspiration behind Avartana’s unique approach. The chef explained that many ideas stem from childhood memories, such as tamarind pods tasted with salt and pepper during play, or the simple act of cooking fresh tapioca from rural South Indian fields. These humble recollections are now transformed into refined, contemporary dishes presented as part of diverse tasting menus.
A Bold Idea Spreading Across Cities
Anil Chadha, speaking about Avartana’s journey, shared that the concept began as a bold experiment within ITC Hotels in 2017. What started in Chennai has since expanded to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and even Colombo. Chadha emphasized that Avartana has never been a solo effort but was built by a team dedicated to elevating South Indian cuisine beyond its conventional identity and presenting it in an entirely new light.
Today, Avartana is known for its immersive dining experience, where each dish is part of a meticulously crafted journey. With this award, Avartana continues to solidify its reputation as a restaurant that reimagines food.
