#1 HUSSAIN SHAHZAD: Topping the 2024 list is chef Hussain Shahzad, whose early careergraph spans the Oberoi Group of Hotels and New York’s Eleven Madison Park. Hussain returned to India in 2015, joined The Bombay Canteen in Mumbai and quickly rose to the role of group executive chef, leading O Pedro and Veronica’s. His latest triumph is Papa’s, a 12-seater chefs’ counter restaurant that’s all the buzz. Seen in the picture above with (left) Vir Sanghvi, co-founder and chairman of Culinary Culture, and (right) Regi Mathew, the #1 chef at last year’s edition of Food Superstars.
Culinary Culture
Coming in at #3 is GRESHAM FERNANDES, making his debut on the list. As the Culinary Director of the Impresario group, he leads some of India’s most renowned restaurant brands, including Mumbai’s much-talked about Bandra Born. Gresham was also the DJ for the after-party!
Gresham Fernandes / Instagram
#4 Since stepping up as head chef VARUN TOTLANI has taken Masque to new heights with his fresh, creative vision and a focus on seasonal, local ingredients. One of India’s fastest-rising chefs, Totlani is now a go-to name in Mumbai’s food scene, known for redefining modern Indian cuisine. “Our mission is to celebrate India’s rich culture, ingredients, tradition and cuisine, and that’s the magic of Masque,” says Totlani
Karo Christine Kumar
#5 NIYATI RAO, chef-partner of Mumbai’s Ekaa restaurant, stands out with her creations made with lesser-known ingredients and cooking styles. “When you are inspired by ingredients, you have a larger playground. You are not constrained by pre-existing blueprints,” says Rao, who has trained at Wasabi in Mumbai and Noma in Copenhagen
Niyati Rao
#6 MANU CHANDRA launched several brands in his 17 years with Olive Group including gastropubs like Monkey Bar & Toast & Tonic. Now, as an independent chef-owner, he continues to make waves with the successful launch of Lupa in Bengaluru, is the founder-partner of artisanal cheese brand Begum Victoria, and also a strategic investor in plant protein brand Shaka Harry and Chota Hazari Spirits
manuchandra/ Instagram
#7 ALEX SANCHEZ is a chef known for blending global flavours with his American roots. After making a name for himself at The Table in Mumbai, he opened Americano in 2017, focusing on dishes that hark back to the kitchens of Italian grandmothers. His latest venture, Otra, has also received widespread praise for its contemporary Latin American food
Karo Christine Kumar
#8 PRATEEK SADHU, originally from Kashmir, traded his dream of becoming a pilot for a career in the kitchen. He co-founded Masque in Mumbai, where he redefined modern Indian cuisine by using Himalayan ingredients in creative ways. His latest project, Naar in Kasauli, continues to push culinary boundaries, making Sadhu one of India’s most influential chefs today
Naar
#9 JAI PRAKASH SINGH, the executive chef at ITC’s iconic Bukhara, is known as India’s tandoor master. With decades of experience, he also oversees the Peshawri chain across India, where he continues to innovate. Singh has cooked for global leaders like Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin, solidifying his status as one of India’s most influential chefs
Culinary Culture
#10 NOORESHA KABLY made a bold career change at 45, launching Izumi in Mumbai, one of India's top modern Japanese restaurants. After training in Japan and starting with the delivery kitchen Sushi Koi, she quickly turned Izumi into a culinary hotspot. Her Goa branch has seen even greater success, all achieved without the support of a hotel chain
Nooresha Kably / Instagram
