Zee Zest Unlimit Awards

Riaan George

Riaan George is a Mumbai-Colombo-based digital creator and influencer, recognized for his compelling work in the world of travel and tourism. Voted as India’s New Age Tourism Ambassador, George has gained widespread acclaim for his unique travel experiences, cultural explorations, and insights from both India and Sri Lanka. Through his dynamic digital content, he encourages audiences to discover hidden gems, indulge in local cultures, and appreciate the beauty of diverse landscapes, all while promoting responsible travel.

Chintan Pandya

Chef Chintan Pandya is a trailblazing Indian chef based in New York City, celebrated for his bold take on provincial Indian cuisine. His restaurant Dhamaka, located in the city’s Essex Market, was hailed as the best restaurant by The New York Times just 10 months after its opening in 2021, earning rave reviews for its unapologetically authentic and daring dishes. Beyond Dhamaka, Pandya is the visionary behind several other notable establishments, including Adda Indian Canteen, Biryani Bol (a delivery kitchen), Semma (a Southern Indian heritage restaurant), Rowdy Rooster (Indian fried chicken), and Masalawala & Sons (focused on bold Bengali cuisine).

Saransh Goila

Saransh Goila is a celebrated Indian chef and co-founder of Goila Butter Chicken, renowned for his innovative approach to traditional Indian cuisine. His engaging personality shines through not only in his cooking but also in his vibrant social media presence, where he shares his culinary adventures and travels. Outside the kitchen, Saransh enjoys acting and playing pickleball, showcasing his multifaceted talents and passion for life.

Niyati Rao

"Chef Niyati Rao has quickly emerged as one of India’s most exciting culinary talents, with her restaurant Ekaa making waves by securing the 93rd spot on Asia’s 50 Best list just 14 months after its launch. Renowned for her innovative approach to fine dining with Indian flavours, Rao has earned her a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2023 list. Not one to rest on her laurels, she’s now channelling her creativity into building India’s first ‘daru-chakna’ inspired bar in Mumbai, showcasing her versatility and passion for redefining India’s food and beverage scene. "

Suvir Saran

After spending many years shaping the culinary landscape in the U.S., Saran returned to India in 2017 to reignite his culinary passion and embark on a new chapter of his career. Today, he serves as the chef behind several notable ventures including Cold Love Ice Cream, one8 Commune, Te Amo Bistro and Bar, Gurgaon, and Murphies Bistro & Bar. Saran is also a TEDx speaker, a regular columnist, and the author of four acclaimed cookbooks.

Ashwin Rajagopalan

Content Creator, Writer, Speaker

From travel to tech, Ashwin has over 20 years of experience as a content specialist and journalist. His expertise lies in food and travel content. He’s a specialist in communicating across cultures and boundaries, and has written for several leading publications.

Rakhee Vaswani

"Chef Rakhee Vaswani is a culinary educator and the founder of Palate Culinary Academy, India’s premier boutique centre for culinary arts and patisserie. With a passion for nurturing culinary talent, Vaswani has built a reputation for offering world-class training, blending traditional techniques with modern culinary trends. As an expert in both Indian and international cuisine, she has empowered aspiring chefs and home cooks alike to hone their skills and pursue their culinary dreams. Through her academy, Vaswani continues to inspire the next generation of chefs."

Varun Sharma

Varun Sharma is a renowned Indian mixologist and the Head of Bars at several esteemed establishments, including Indian Accent in Mumbai, Comorin, Hosa Goa, Fireback Restaurant, and Chor Bizarre. With a passion for innovative mixology and a deep appreciation for traditional Indian flavors, Varun crafts unique cocktail experiences that delight the palate. Known for his creative spirit and commitment to excellence, Varun continues to elevate the art of bartending, earning accolades and inspiring fellow mixologists across the country.

Aditi Dugar

"As the founder of several acclaimed restaurants, such as Masque and ARAKU, Dugar made history as the first Indian female restaurateur to be featured on Asia's 50 Best list. Her innovative approach has garnered widespread recognition, solidifying her status as one of India’s foremost voices in the dynamic and evolving world of gastronomy."

Priya Ganapathy

Travel & Food Writer

Priya runs Red Scarab Travel & Media with her husband Anurag Mallick and creates content for the tourism and hospitality industry as a travel influencer and consultant. As a writer, she contributes to various​ leading national and international publications and has also co-authored several travel books and guides such as Michelin, Rough Guides, and for Outlook Traveller.

Tejasvi Chandela

Chef Tejasvi Chandela is a master at the intersection of Indian and modern pastry, carving a niche with her innovative creations. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, she founded Dzurt Patisserie & Cafe in Jaipur at just 22, earning recognition as one of the world’s finest pastry shops by La Liste. She further honed her skills with a Master’s in Chocolate Making in Barcelona and co-founded All Things Chocolate, specializing in Bean to Bar chocolates using Indian cacao. As a guest judge on Masterchef India 2023 and host of Zee Zest’s The Bakers Table, Chef Chandela travels worldwide to share her unique fusion of Indian traditions and modern pastry through workshops, aspiring to establish her academy as a culinary hub.

Priyanko Sarkar

Priyanko Sarkar is a beverage expert known for his storytelling-focussed approach towards drinks. An avid bar enthusiast, Sarkar is often found travelling the breath of the country to try the best food and cocktails that the country has to offer. He also conducts beverage-themed heritage walks primarily in Mumbai with a wide variety of audiences in attendance. Sarkar is also the person behind the drinks programme by Mumbai-based Chrome Hospitality's properties such as Gigi, Lyla and Donna Deli along with an upcoming new bar at Todi Mills.

Avinash Martins

Chef and restaurateur

With an experience that spans from Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe to The Oberoi, Delhi, Avinash Martins is one of the most talented chefs in India at the moment. At present, he runs Cavatina Cuchina in Benaulim, south Goa. After being part of kitchens around the world, Martins chose a path that led him to unravel the various culinary secrets from the Saraswat and Portuguese communities in order to present his perspective on a plate. A big believer of "source locally", Martins's aspirations lie in taking Goan food to the rest of the world.

Rashmi Uday Singh

" With over 40 books to her name, Rashmi Uday Singh has established herself as a leading authority on food writing and is a familiar face as a TV anchor, sharing her insights on global cuisine. A recipient of prestigious accolades, including the Chevalier Knighthood and the World Gourmand Award, Singh’s influence extends beyond her writing and television work. She is also the founder of Hospitality Hope, a nonprofit global job portal aimed at empowering the hospitality industry, further showcasing her dedication to both food and social impact. "

Anurag Mallick

Travel & Food Writer

With a career spanning two decades, Anurag is one of the leading travel writers in India and the founder of Red Scarab Travel & Media. His contributions as a travel writer and co-author of reputable travel guides have undoubtedly enriched the travel community by providing valuable travel advice, recommendations, and insights for a diverse range of travellers. Some of his co-authored Outlook Traveller guides include 52 Weekend Breaks from Bangalore, Kerala Guide, 100 Holidays in the Hills & Trekking Guide to India.

Amninder Sandhu

"Chef Sandhu is widely recognized for her deep passion for open-fire cooking. A National Award winner for Best Lady Chef, presented by the Ministry of Tourism, she also made history as the only Indian chef to compete on the Netflix series The Final Table. In addition to her accolades, she is the co-founder of Bawrii and a founding partner of dining experiences at Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries, further showcasing her culinary expertise and innovative approach to dining. "