The NDTV Food Awards 2026 was a night where conversations were as captivating as the accolades. India’s most celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, and food professionals gathered to receive their honors. Key moments and insights shared by the chefs in their own words included:
Kunal Kapur Champions Homestyle Cooking
When asked about his ultimate comfort food, Kunal Kapur promptly replied, “Home-cooked food, made by my mother.” His statement drew smiles, and he further specified his preference for “Meethi dahi aur mirchi ka paratha” (sweet yogurt and chili paratha).
Manish Mehrotra’s Unexpected Culinary Choice
Chef Manish Mehrotra, the visionary behind Indian Accent and Nisaba, offered a candid response. Instead of an elaborate slow-cooked dish or a refined consommé, he confessed his comfort food is the universally recognized two-minute snack, Maggi, a staple from many childhoods.
Manu Chandra Aims to Globalize Khichdi
Chef Manu Chandra, a driving force behind Fatty Bao and Toast & Tonic, expressed a more ambitious culinary goal: to elevate Khichdi to a global gastronomic level. This bold vision from a chef of his caliber suggests the humble dish has significant untapped potential.
One Word for the Awards
Chef Doma Wang of Yeti, the Himalayan Kitchen, humorously described the NDTV Food Awards with a single word: “Another award.” Chef Seefah offered a direct and passionate response: “Food and restaurants.” Chef Naren Thimmaiah from Karavalli summarized the awards as “good food and coverage.”
The couple behind Paris My Love, Sahil and Surbhi Mehta, added a personal touch. Surbhi identified Thai cuisine as her favorite, while Sahil stated, “Always Italian.” Chef Aketoli Zhimomi’s victory, representing Northeast Indian cuisine on a mainstream platform, was a significant moment. Zhimomi also shared her affection for smoked pork with rice and akhuni.
For Nooresha Kably, Japanese cuisine stands out as her favorite food trend. Chef Srinivas proudly discussed the non-vegetarian Kashmiri dishes featured on Chor Bizarre’s menu. When asked if a lack of appreciation for food is a red line, Mirelle Pingfu of Masque unequivocally answered, “yes.”
The NDTV Food Awards 2026 served as a powerful reminder of the rich, diverse, and personal nature of India’s culinary landscape. These chefs and food professionals are not just cooking and creating; they bring stories, traditions, and immense heart to every plate they serve.
