Award Categories - Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards 2025 National

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Awards Categories

" The Culinary & Food Innovation Awards are the most prestigious honors recognizing chefs and food leaders in the culinary and food service industries and organizations in the macro food systems that focus on creating and exploiting new ideas for the institutional food service sector. The Awards are overseen by the jury, who are eminent Food service professionals and Restaurateurs Food innovation in the industry has changed the narrative of food service. The Food Innovation Awards will recognize food brands that are revolutionizing THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY"

Culinary & Food Innovation Awards

Frozen Food of the Year Awarded to the top frozen food product for its exceptional quality and convenience.
Best Bakery product Recognizes the best bakery item for its superior taste, texture, and creativity.
Meat/Poultry Item of the Year Celebrates the finest meat or poultry product for its quality, flavor, and sustainability.
Plant-based product of the year Honors the best plant-based product for its innovation and delicious alternative to traditional foods.
Dairy Product of the Year Awarded to the outstanding dairy product showcasing excellence in flavor and texture.
Beverage Brand of the Year (Liquor) Recognizes the top liquor brand for its innovation, quality, and flavor.
Beverage Brand of the Year (Non-liquor) Celebrates the best non-alcoholic beverage brand for its taste, quality, and appeal.
Sauce, Condiment, or Preservative of the Year Honors the most outstanding sauce, condiment, or preservative for its flavor and versatility.
Herbs and Spice Innovation of the Year Awarded for groundbreaking herbs and spices that enhance culinary experiences.
Ready-to-Cook Product of the Year Recognizes the best ready-to-cook product for its convenience and quality.
Ready to Eat Product of the Year Celebrates the top ready-to-eat product for its taste, convenience, and innovation.
Automation in Food Service of the Year Awarded to the most effective food service automation solution enhancing efficiency and quality
Supply Chain Enabler of the Year Recognizes the company or solution that has excelled in optimizing and streamlining the food supply chain.
Ice Cream & Dessert Brand of the Year Celebrates the best ice cream or dessert brand for its creativity, flavor, and innovation
Beverages Mix of the Year (syrups, crushes) Honors the top beverage mix for its flavor and versatility in syrups and crushes.
Seafood Product of the Year Awarded to the best seafood product for its freshness, quality, and sustainability.
Organic Food Supplier of the Year Recognizes the leading supplier of organic foods for its commitment to quality and sustainability.
Cooking Oil & Spray of the Year Celebrates the best cooking oil or spray for its quality, performance, and innovation.
Kitchen Equipment Manufacturer of the Year Honors the top kitchen equipment manufacturer for its innovation and contribution to culinary technology
Commercial Kitchen Appliances of the Year Recognizes the best commercial kitchen appliance for its performance and impact on food preparation.
Snacks & Confectionery Product of the Year Awarded to the finest snacks or confectionery item for its flavor, creativity, and appeal.

CULINARY INNOVATION (Leading Chef Award)

Best Food Culinarian Award Celebrates a chef with exceptional culinary experience and mastery.
Best Sustainability-Inspired Menu Honors the chef who Currated menu that best integrates sustainable practices and eco-friendly ingredients.
Best Farm-to-Fork Menu Recognizes the chef who Currated menu that excels in showcasing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Super Food Menu of the year Awarded to the chef for a menu that highlights nutrient-rich superfoods in innovative ways.
Executive Chef of the Year Celebrates the executive chef who demonstrates outstanding leadership and culinary excellence.
Best Food Artist Recognizes the chef for exceptional skill and creativity in food presentation.
Best Heritage-Inspired Menu Honors the menu that successfully revives and modernizes lost or traditional recipes.
Best Wellness Tourism cuisine Celebrates the chef who has created a cuisine focusing on travel and wellness being
Sous Chef of The Year Celebrates the sous chef who exhibits exceptional skill and support in the kitchen.
Pastry/ Bakery Chef of the Year Recognizes the pastry or bakery chef for excellence in creating delicious and innovative baked goods.
Celebrity Chef of the Year Honors the chef who has made a significant impact in the culinary world through fame and influence.
Young Chef of the Year Celebrates an emerging chef with exceptional talent and promise in the culinary field.
Beverage Innovator of the Year Recognizes the chef or mixologist who introduces groundbreaking beverage concepts.
Best Menu Revamp Awarded to the chef Currated for the most impressive and effective redesign of an existing menu.
Best Chef Influencer Celebrates the chef who excels in influencing and inspiring others through social media or public appearances.
Chef-Entrepreneur of the Year Recognizes a chef who has successfully ventured into entrepreneurial activities, expanding their culinary journey
Best menu of passed hors d’oeuvres and small plates served Honors the menu currated by the chef that excels in offering exceptional and innovative small plates and hors d’oeuvres.
Best Buffet innovation Celebrates the chef who currated the most creative and effective innovation in buffet dining.
Best signature dish by popular choice Recognizes the chef’s signature dish that has won the most acclaim from diners.
Lifetime Achievement of the Year Awarded to a chef with 3-4 decades of distinguished contributions to the culinary arts.
Home Chef of the Year Celebrates the outstanding achievements of a home chef in creating exceptional meals and culinary experiences.
Chef-Author of the Year Recognizes the chef who has produced a remarkable culinary book or publication.
Chef-Caterer of the Year Awarded for excellence in catering, showcasing superior event culinary service and creativity.
Cruise Chef of the Year Honors the chef who delivers exceptional culinary experiences on a cruise ship.
Culinary School of the Year Celebrates the culinary school with the best programs, facilities, and student outcomes.
Woman Chef of the Year Woman Chef of the Year Recognizes the outstanding achievements of a female chef in the culinary world.
Corporate Chef of the Year Awarded to the corporate chef who excels in delivering high-quality food services within a corporate setting.
F&B Director of the Year Celebrates the food and beverage director who demonstrates exceptional leadership and innovation.
Corporate Office Food Chef/ Canteen Chef Award of the Year Corporate Office Food Chef/ Canteen Chef Award of the Year Recognizes the chef who provides outstanding culinary service in a corporate canteen environment.
Chef Mentor of the the Year Celebrating the chef who has made a significant impact as a mentor.

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Indian Restaurant Awards are national awards whose prime focus is to create recognition for the food & beverage industry. These are the only registered awards in the country. By nominationing for Indian Restaurant Awards , you have an opportunity to showcase your excellence and achievements in the F & B Industry. It allows brands and Restaurateurs to gain recognition, enhance brand reputation, and stand out against competition. The awards celebrate your hard work, innovation and contribution to the food industry Last date to apply 30th August 2024

Indian Restaurant Awards 2024

Restaurant of the Year This category recognises the very best in a dining experience as evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
NightClub of the Year This category recognises a night club with best in a night life experience as evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
Coffee Chain of the YearThis category recognises a Coffee Chain for its wide variety of coffee, customer service and ambience
Tea Cafe of the YearThis category recognises a tea cafe for its wide variety of tea, customer service and ambience
Casual Dining Chain This category recognises the restaurant chain offering the best casual dining experience
Newcomer Restaurant of the YearThis category recognises new arrival in the food world across India which has created an immediate buzz and become the place to be seen with customers. Restaurant needs to be less than 2 years old.
Lifestyle Restaurant of the Year This category recognizes dining establishment that seamlessly blends exceptional cuisine with a unique, immersive experience, creating a destination where food, ambiance, and lifestyle intersect
QSR Chain of the YearThis category recognises QSR chain across India offering quick service atmosphere that serves freshly prepared authentic foods in a fast service format.
Fine-dining Restaurant of the YearThis category recognises a fine dine restaurant across India that provides the best dining experiences evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
Luxury Restaurant of the YearThis category recognises Luxury restaurant across India that provides the best dining experiences evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
Independent Restaurant of the YearThis category recognises the standalone restaurant in a dining experience as evidenced by customer service and imagination in menu creation and ambience
All Day Dining Restaurant of the YearRestaurant offering the best 24 hour dining experience
Foreign Cuisine Restaurant of the Year
Indian Cuisine Restaurant of the YearRecognizing the establishment that excels in delivering authentic and exceptional Indian flavors.
Regional Restaurant- North / South/East/West/CentralHonoring the top dining spot that captures the unique regional essence and culinary traditions of its specific area
Casual dining Restaurant of the Year (Standalone)Awarded to the best independent casual dining venue known for its relaxed atmosphere and outstanding food.
Bakery of the YearAcknowledging the bakery that consistently delivers top-quality, delectable baked goods and exceptional service.
Fusion Cuisine Restaurant of the YearRecognizing the restaurant that masterfully blends diverse culinary traditions into innovative dishes.
Brewery of the YearThis category recognises a brewery for its craft beer and food

Professional Awards

Baker of the YearThis category recognises a bakery chef for his baking abilities
Woman in Restaurant BusinessThis category recognises a Woman who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business
Marketing Leader of the YearThe award recognizes the professional with high-quality, drool-inducing campaigns – online and offline - carried out by a restaurant that led to an increase in revenue; the unique concepts and out-of-the-box food challenges that helped restaurants improve sales.
Restaurant Manager of the YearThis category recognises restaurant manager who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business
Technology Leader of the YearThe award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of technology in food service and restaurant business
Procurement Leader of the YearThe award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of Procurement in food service and restaurant business
Food Director of the YearThe award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of purchasing, strong human relations, communication and business management skills in food service and restaurant business
Business Operations Leader of the YearThe award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of the foodservice operations in food service and restaurant business
Supply Chain Leader of the YearThe award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of the building vendor and supplier relationships in food service and restaurant business
Digital Influencer AwardThe award recognizes the professional for using digital media to influence audience behaviour in the most creative way in food service and restaurant business
Business Development Leader of the YearThe award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of the foodservice development in food service and restaurant business
Financial Leader of the YearThe award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of the finance in food service and restaurant business
PR Professional of the Year ( Inhouse/ Independent PRs)The award recognizes the professional for his vast array of skills and knowledge of their contribution in the food service and restaurants

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Innovation Awards

Vegan Restaurant of the YearThis category recognises restaurant that offers the best vegan food in India
Cloud Kitchen of the YearThis category recognises the outstanding brand that serves food based on Cloud Kitchen model in India.
Community Restaurant of the YearThis category recognises restaurants that makes a difference through their CSR initiative
Best Restaurant themeThis category recognises restaurants with the most experiential ambience.
Most Creative Dining ConceptThis category recognises restaurants with unique dining concept
Authentic Restaurant of the YearThis category recognises restaurants promoting the culinary heritage of its region through skill, produce and sourcing.
Farm To Fork AwardThis category recognises restaurants which source their ingredients direct from their own farms
Circular Restaurant AwardThis category recognises restaurants which leave ecological impact and have great waste control systems
Best Use of Social MediaThis category recognises restaurants which has the best use of social media
Best Pivot by A Restaurant BusinessThis category recognises restaurants which have pivoted to new and creative business ideas
Game Changer AwardThis category recognises Restaurant who has campaigned to change kitchen and industry culture

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Business Excellence Awards

Restaurant Technology award Honouring the technologically brand solution catering to Restaurant industry
Best Business Practices AwardThis category recognises a Restaurant business that follows best business practices for continuous improvement
Operational Excellence AwardThis category recognises a Restaurant business that best demonstrates where they have applied continuous improvement to their operations
Business Growth AwardThis category recognises the restaurant that has shown a remarkable growth in the last few years
Best Customer Experience of the YearThis category recognises the best Restaurant / Bar / Cafe offering the best service to its customer.
Marketing campaign of the YearThis category recognises the high-quality, drool-inducing campaigns – online and offline - carried out by a restaurant that led to an increase in revenue; the unique concepts and out-of-the-box food challenges that helped restaurants improve sales.
Business Transformation AwardThis category recognises a Restaurant business that has shown continuous improvement over the years.
Best Restaurant Design of the YearThis category recognises a restaurant for its unique design
Heart of the Workplace awardThis category recognises the company that demonstrates significant commitment to and investment in their employees and communities.
Food Court Restaurant of the YearThis category recognises Restaurant who has cracked the science to achieve efficiency in small space
Digital Engagement This category recognises restaurants which has the highest digital Engagement

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Luminaries Awards

Women CEO of the Year This category recognises a Woman who excels in all facets of the restaurant business, driving success and innovation through exceptional management and strategic insight
Best Chef led Restaurant A chef led Restaurant serving delectable dishes
Restaurant Entrepreneur of the YearThis category recognises restaurant owner who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business
Women Restaurant Leader of the YearThis category recognises Woman who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurants.
Young Restaurateur of the Year (Below 35)This category recognises a young restaurant owner who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business. Should be under 35 years of age
Best Restaurant Consultant AwardThis category recognises the best restaurant consultant that has advised and mentored people and has helped them in running successful restaurants
Lifetime Achievement of the YearThis category recognises the individual who has made the greatest impact on the food world in India in the past year in terms of quantitative business increase and most outstanding quality of service.
CEO of the YearThis category recognises restaurant professional who has demonstrated leadership qualities and has shown proficiency in all aspects of the restaurant business

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Menu Innovation Awards

Best Menu Culinarian AwardThis category recognises restaurant serving most innovative & delicious cuisines in India
Green Restaurant of the YearThis category recognises restaurants which are practicing eco-friendly techniques
Food Excellence of the Year AwardThis category recognises the restaurant for achieving precise standardization and strong quality control

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