• June 08, 2025

India has always been known for its vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted culinary heritage. From the rustic kitchens of Punjab to the royal kitchens of Rajasthan and the coastal magic of Kerala, Indian food is a journey in itself. But behind every great dish is a visionary—a chef who not only preserves culinary traditions but also pushes the boundaries of taste and innovation.

In recent decades, India has witnessed a culinary revolution, with a new generation of chefs putting Indian cuisine on the global map. These chefs are not only celebrated within the country but have earned international acclaim for their creativity, discipline, and passion. In this blog, we shine a spotlight on the Top Chefs in India who are transforming the way the world looks at Indian food.

1. Vikas Khanna – The Global Icon

No list of top chefs in India is complete without Vikas Khanna. Born in Amritsar and trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Khanna is a Michelin-starred chef, author, filmmaker, and philanthropist.

Highlights:

• Former judge on MasterChef India 
• Michelin star for his restaurant Junoon in New York 
• Author of over 30 cookbooks, including Utsav, a celebration of Indian festivals and cuisine 

Khanna’s food philosophy revolves around blending traditional Indian ingredients with international techniques. Beyond food, his humanitarian work—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—has won him widespread respect.

2. Sanjeev Kapoor – The Household Name

A name synonymous with Indian cooking, Sanjeev Kapoor has been a pioneer in bringing gourmet food into Indian homes. With his long-running show Khana Khazana, Kapoor became a trusted culinary mentor to millions.

Highlights:

• Awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India 
• Hosts India’s first 24-hour food channel, FoodFood 
• Owns the restaurant chain The Yellow Chilli 

Kapoor is known for his ability to simplify gourmet recipes for home cooks. His cookbooks, TV shows, and digital presence have made Indian cuisine more accessible across generations.

3. Ranveer Brar – The Culinary Storyteller

Known for his charisma, culinary flair, and passion for food history, Ranveer Brar is a prominent face in India’s modern chef community. Born in Lucknow, Brar carries the essence of Awadhi cuisine wherever he goes.

Highlights:

• Host of popular shows like Raja Rasoi aur Andaaz Anokha 
• Former executive chef at multiple luxury hotels 
• Known for blending storytelling with culinary insights 

His YouTube and Instagram series, where he narrates the history behind dishes, has attracted a massive audience of food lovers and aspiring chefs alike.

4. Kunal Kapur – The Gentleman Chef

Chef Kunal Kapur rose to fame as a judge on MasterChef India and quickly became one of India’s most celebrated culinary personalities. With a strong foundation in North Indian and Mughlai cuisine, Kapur is admired for his precision and elegance.

Highlights:

• Author of the bestselling cookbook A Chef in Every Home 
• Culinary ambassador of India to several international events 
• Owner of Pincode restaurant in Dubai 

His recipes often highlight the balance of traditional and contemporary, focusing on flavor, texture, and authenticity.

5. Manish Mehrotra – The Father of Modern Indian Cuisine

Manish Mehrotra is credited with redefining Indian food with modern aesthetics and international finesse. His flagship restaurant, Indian Accent (Delhi and New York), is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in Asia.

Highlights:

• Culinary Director of Indian Accent 
• Known for innovative takes on classic Indian dishes like Daulat ki Chaat and Butter Chicken Kulcha 
• Has received acclaim from global platforms like The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 

Mehrotra’s work proves that Indian food can be both traditional and avant-garde, with plating that matches Michelin-starred finesse.

6. Atul Kochhar – The Michelin Star Pioneer

Atul Kochhar became the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star for his London-based restaurant Tamarind. He later opened Benares, another Michelin-starred Indian fine-dining experience.

Highlights:

• First Indian chef to win a Michelin star 
• Prominent chef-restaurateur in the UK and UAE 
• Author of several cookbooks, including Simple Indian 

Kochhar’s success paved the way for many Indian chefs to take Indian cuisine to an international audience with finesse, flavor, and authenticity.

7. Garima Arora – India’s First Female Michelin Star Chef

Chef Garima Arora broke barriers by becoming the first Indian woman to receive a Michelin star. Her Bangkok-based restaurant, Gaa, blends Indian and Southeast Asian flavors with remarkable technique.

Highlights:

• Asia’s Best Female Chef 2019 (by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants) 
• Former journalist turned culinary superstar 
• Focuses on fermentation and flavor layering 

Garima’s unique approach makes her a trailblazer in India’s global culinary journey, inspiring many young women in the field.

8. Ritu Dalmia – Queen of Italian in India

Ritu Dalmia is known for her mastery over Italian cuisine and her role as a restaurateur and TV host. Her restaurant Diva in Delhi is one of the best-known fine dining destinations for Italian food lovers in India.

Highlights:

• Owner of Diva Restaurants and Latitude 28 
• Author of cookbooks like Italian Khana 
• Featured on shows like Travelling Diva 

She’s one of the rare chefs in India who’s made Italian cuisine mainstream while keeping the ingredients and flavors true to their roots.

9. Saransh Goila – The Butter Chicken Star

Famous for his version of India’s most loved dish—Butter Chicken, Saransh Goila is a dynamic chef, TV host, and entrepreneur. His restaurant Goila Butter Chicken is a cult favorite in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and London.

Highlights:

• Winner of Food Food Maha Challenge 
• Guest judge on MasterChef Australia 
• Author of India on My Platter 

Saransh represents the new-age chef who blends entertainment, entrepreneurship, and cooking into one compelling brand.

10. Nita Mehta – India’s Cookbook Queen

While she may not be in restaurant kitchens, Nita Mehta has had a massive impact on Indian home cooking through her cookbooks and cooking classes.

Highlights:

• Authored over 400 cookbooks 
• Founder of Nita Mehta Culinary Academy 
• Specializes in North Indian, health food, and baking 

She has empowered thousands of homemakers and aspiring chefs to explore cooking professionally.

Conclusion

The Indian culinary scene is richer and more diverse than ever before, thanks to these incredible chefs. They’ve not only elevated the status of Indian cuisine at home but have also given it global recognition. From Michelin-starred fine dining to street food revolutions and online cooking communities—India’s top chefs are leaving an indelible mark.

Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a food lover, or someone looking for inspiration, these culinary legends offer a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and relentless passion. Their journeys remind us that cooking is not just a skill—it’s an art form, a science, and a way to tell stories through food.