Snapshots
Flavours, methods, and ingredients are constantly evolving in India's culinary field. 2024 has been the year of going out to restaurants, and chefs all around the nation are showcasing Indian cuisine, bringing lesser-known ones to cities; combining modern culinary techniques with ancient ways, and challenging traditional ideas about what constitutes healthy eating.
Here are the 5 restaurants nominated for the Best Progressive Indian Restaurant category for the 2025 edition of the Zee Zest Unlimit Awards. Check them out.
Tresind Mumbai
This multi-award-winning restaurant was born in Dubai with the mission of honouring Indian cuisine's rich history through creative takes on traditional dishes. A delicious 14-course chef's tasting menu, including local cuisines, is available at Trèsind Mumbai. They switch up their exclusive tasting menu every three to four months, so you can always look forward to something new. Past tasting menu highlights include the Arugula Pani Puri with Feta Cream and Poached Pears, Chaat Mille-feuille with Pumpkin Blossom and Togarashi, and Gujarati Farsan Ice Cream, among others.
Varq, The Taj Mahal
At this immersive restaurant, where all five senses are engaged, the chefs have crafted a novel web around historical dishes, bringing Indian food to life. The painting by Anjolie Ela Menon is just one of the valuable works of art that surround diners at Varq, creating an immersive cultural experience that draws from all of the senses.
Offering a modern take on traditional Indian dishes, their masterchefs craft stunning platters of modern food. Even though there are many excellent dining alternatives in New Delhi, Varq stands out as a top contender. Duck Confit Pulao, Crispy Kalakand filled with blueberries, and Deconstructed Baingan Bharta are just a few examples of their innovative take on Indian food.
Indian Accent
Indian Accent is all about creative flavours and dishes served in a distinctive way. Some of their innovative creations are the Tofu Medu Vadai with Gunpowder and Sambar Cream, the Meetha Aachar Pork Ribs with Green Apple, or the Stuffed Morel, Gobindobhog and Mushroom Payesh with Summer Truffles.
Here, you can enjoy a meal that seamlessly blends traditional Indian flavours with sophisticated global techniques. The Aab Gosht, usually a Kashmiri lamb dish, is presented here as a dumpling with rice puffs, and Mishti Doi is served within a cannoli to make a novel display! Talk about creativity.
Tevar
One of the newest restaurants in Hyderabad, Tevar serves up contemporary Indian cuisine in an opulent setting. An Achappam Chaat, Kale Patta Chaat, Arbi ki Gilavat, Cajun Lamb Seekh Kebab, Avocado Kulfi, Mysore Pak Snickers, and more creative interpretations of traditional Indian dishes are available on the wide menu.
Thalipeeth, Gomantak Surmai Curry, Assam Black Chicken, Thalassery Chicken Biryani, Tibetan Tingmo, Khamiri Roti, and North Indian and Mughlai cuisines are only a few examples of the many Indian regional specialities offered. To top it all off, the dinner is accompanied by premium spirits and drinks. Is there anything else one needs?
Ziya, The Oberoi
The "evolved Indian cuisine" served at this fine dine restaurant has made it rather famous. Modern takes on classic subcontinental dishes are served here and are enjoyed by regulars with much aplomb. Their Malai-Kashmiri Chilli Lobster, Charcoal Prawns with Pindi Hummus, Tandoori Aloo with Tahini and Pomegranate Tabbouleh, Chocomosa with Kapi Shrikhand, and Rajasthani Lamb Chops are all delicious options. Not to mention the restaurant's beach views, glass-enclosed display kitchen, and gold-hued décor!
There was a time when every Indian restaurant served similar meals. Modern chefs are known to put innovative spins on classic dishes by using unconventional ingredients and plating techniques. Progressive Indian cuisine, as the name suggests, features dishes that present traditional tastes in creative new forms. These five restaurants are actively exploring the possibilities of merging traditional Indian cuisine with modern elegance. Their meals range from visually stunning Indian fusion dishes to creative takes on classic favourites.