20 December 2025 ‘Global Triumph: Indian Chefs & Cuisines’ Launched to Honour India’s Culinary Excellence Worldwide

Better Kitchen Magazine unveiled its premium coffee table book, Global Triumph: Indian Chefs & Cuisines, at an exclusive launch and press conference attended by eminent chefs, culinary professionals, industry leaders and members of the media at the Banquets by Mulk, Mumbai.

Spanning over 300 pages, the collector’s edition documents the extraordinary journey of Indian cuisine on the global stage and honours the chefs who have played a pivotal role in taking India’s culinary heritage beyond borders. The publication features detailed profiles and signature recipes of more than 100 distinguished Indian chefs based in India and abroad. It also presents a curated overview of Indian cuisine along with a state-wise culinary showcase that highlights the depth, diversity and cultural richness of regional food traditions.

Speaking at the launch, Ekta Bhargava, Publisher of Better Kitchen Magazine and Founder & Director of Bandwagon Media, emphasised that Indian cuisine is far more than a collection of dishes—it is a reflection of history, culture and identity. She noted that Indian chefs across the world have become cultural ambassadors, preserving authenticity while creatively adapting Indian flavours for global audiences. The book, she said, was conceived to document these journeys and create a lasting record of India’s growing influence in the global culinary landscape.

The formal unveiling was followed by an interactive session with renowned chefs including Chef Satish Arora, Chef Salil Fadnis, Chef Sudhir Pai and Dr. Nitin Nagrale, who shared perspectives on their professional journeys and the increasing global appreciation for Indian cuisine.

Global Triumph: Indian Chefs & Cuisines has been widely appreciated for its refined presentation and strong editorial depth. Combining compelling narratives, chef profiles, recipes and high-quality visuals, the book traces the evolution of Indian food from its ancient roots to its contemporary international expressions. The publication stands out for recognising chefs as torchbearers of India’s gastronomic identity and for presenting their work with dignity and global relevance.

Expressing gratitude to the chefs who contributed their stories and recipes, Ekta Bhargava concluded by sharing her hope that the book would serve as a valuable reference for culinary professionals, students and food enthusiasts alike, and—with continued media support—help take the inspiring stories of Indian chefs and cuisines to audiences worldwide.

11 November 2025 Envision the Future: Viksit Bharat’s Vision for Indian Cuisine in 2047

The Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), in collaboration with the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), has unveiled a nationwide initiative titled “Viksit Bharat: Indian Cuisine in 2047.” The program invites chefs, culinary students, professionals, and food enthusiasts to imagine how Indian cuisine will evolve by 2047, marking 100 years of India’s independence.

The winner of this unique contest will receive an all-expenses-paid international trip to represent India and IFCA at a TPCI International B2B Meeting or Global Trade Event, providing an opportunity to showcase Indian culinary talent on a global stage.

According to an IFCA spokesperson, the initiative reflects India’s culinary journey as it stands at the crossroads of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. The objective is to encourage participants to explore how India’s food identity can progress in line with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Entrants are encouraged to blend India’s rich culinary heritage with futuristic thinking, including AI-enabled kitchens, sustainable dining, wellness-based menus, zero-waste gastronomy, traceable farm-to-future systems, and the country’s expanding influence in global food diplomacy.

Participation is open to all, with no age restrictions. Each entrant must submit a 60-second video, a presentation of up to 10 slides, and a write-up not exceeding 1,000 words. Entries must be original, free of plagiarism, and created without the use of AI-generated content. Participants must also ensure proper licensing of any visuals, audio, or graphics used. Submissions can be uploaded via the link: https://forms.gle/comaEqRkVSFnMJQi9

All entries will be evaluated by the IFCA Selection Committee based on creativity, authenticity, and relevance to the theme. The winner will be announced during the World Culinary Heritage Conference and IndusFood 2026. By submitting their work, participants grant IFCA the right to use the content for promotional and publication purposes with appropriate credit. The committee’s decision will be final.

The initiative encourages exploration of future-focused ideas such as smart kitchens, zero-waste gastronomy, the revival of traditional cuisines through modern science, India’s global food diplomacy, climate-smart dining, and the evolution of culinary education and hospitality experiences.

The deadline for submissions is 1 December 2025.

1 November 2025 Lucknow’s Culinary Legacy Wins UNESCO’s Creative City of Gastronomy Title

Lucknow has achieved a major global honour with its inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a Creative City of Gastronomy. The announcement was made on World Cities Day 2025 (October 30), placing the Uttar Pradesh capital among 58 new cities recognised this year for their cultural and creative strength.

This prestigious designation celebrates Lucknow’s rich culinary legacy—ranging from its royal Awadhi cuisine and aromatic kebabs to flavourful chaats and traditional desserts. Known as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow continues to charm the world with its timeless food culture and deep-rooted heritage.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the new inductees, expanding the global network to 408 cities across more than 100 countries. The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO also called it a “proud moment for India,” highlighting the city’s global culinary recognition.

According to UNESCO, the newly added Creative Cities demonstrate how local creativity can support sustainable development, foster innovation, strengthen community bonds, and promote cultural pride. Established in 2004, the UCCN encourages collaboration among cities that use culture and creativity as engines for inclusive growth.

This year’s honourees span diverse categories, including Kisumu (Kenya) and New Orleans (USA) for Music, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for Design, Matosinhos (Portugal) and Cuenca (Ecuador) for Gastronomy, Giza (Egypt) for Film, Rovaniemi (Finland) for Architecture, Malang (Indonesia) for Media Arts, and Aberystwyth (UK) for Literature.

The newly selected cities will gather at the UCCN Annual Conference in 2026 in Essaouira, Morocco—another city recognised for its creative contributions.

Lucknow’s addition to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network marks a significant milestone for India, strengthening the country’s presence in global cultural discourse and celebrating the enduring culinary brilliance that defines this iconic city.