Zee Zest Unlimit Awards

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. "

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.

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."

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.

Natasha Gandhi

Chef Natasha Gandhi, a dynamic culinary talent and cocktail enthusiast, gained widespread recognition as a Top 5 finalist on MasterChef India Season 6. With a passion for blending traditional and contemporary flavours, she is the founder of House of Millets, a platform dedicated to promoting nutritious, millet-based dishes, and Drinks with Nats, where she creatively crafts cocktails with a distinct Indian twist. Natasha’s innovative approach to both food and drinks celebrates the richness of Indian ingredients, offering an exciting fusion of flavours that highlight her expertise in the culinary world and her flair for mixology.

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. "

Miss Malini

Malini Agarwal is among the first globally recognised Indian influencers, as well as the Founder & Creative Director of MissMalini Entertainment & Co-Founder of Good Creator Co. She is also the Founder of a community for women called Girl Tribe by MissMalini, which was created to serve as a safe place for women to talk, share, support, empower, network, and inspire each other to live their best lives. Her greatest achievement is building a legacy brand in entertainment that stands for substance and positivity. Through her achievements, experiences, and the platform she has built over the last two decades, she seeks to inspire and provide practical tools for young women to pursue their dreams and make the most of their potential.

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).

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.

Jasleen Marwah

Chef Jasleen Marwah, a celebrated home chef turned restaurateur, is renowned for her ability to weave stories through food. Known for her deep understanding of Kashmiri cuisine, she captivated audiences as one of the Masala Mantris on Zee Zest's India's 50 Best Dishes. With a passion for preserving culinary heritage, Chef Jasleen brings the rich flavors and cultural nuances of her homeland to life, creating dishes that are both a feast for the senses and a window into the soul of Kashmir. Now the proud owner of Folk, a restaurant in Mumbai, she celebrates traditional Indian regional meals from across the country, offering a menu that reflects her dedication to reviving and honoring India’s diverse culinary traditions.

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.

Kunal Vijjayakar

Chef Kunal is a renowned Indian chef, food columnist, and television personality, celebrated for his vibrant approach to Indian cuisine. Known for his charismatic on-screen presence and deep culinary expertise, he has become a familiar face on popular food shows, where he combines his passion for cooking with his sharp sense of humor. Chef Kunal’s culinary journey spans across a variety of roles, from restaurant management to becoming a trusted voice in the food industry, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary takes on Indian dishes. Through his YouTube channel Khaane Mein Kya Hai?, he takes viewers on a journey to explore the world, one bite at a time, uncovering diverse flavors and culinary stories from across the globe.

Anahita Dhondy Bhandari

Chef, Restaurateur

Chef Anahita fell in love with cooking at the age of 10, and since then has ensured she never strayed from her passion. After getting her Cordon Bleu Grand Diplome in London, she launched the first SodaBottleOpenerWala with veteran restaurateur, AD Singh, in 2013. Since then, she's strived to popularise Parsi food. Anahita has won several awards and acknowledgements and is a prominent name in sustainable food and culinary scene.

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.

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.

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.

Shri Bala

Food Historian, Chef

Chartered-accountant-turned-chef, Shri has been cooking ever since she was a child. She has turned her passion into a profession and conducts food promotions at various five-star properties across the country. Today, she is one of the most significant voices and chroniclers of South Indian culinary history.

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.

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."

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. "

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.

Sumona Chakravarti

Sumona Chakravarti is a popular Indian actress, best known for her versatile performances across television and film. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the hit comedy show The Kapil Sharma Show, where she has been a prominent part of the ensemble cast, charming audiences with her wit and humour. With a career spanning multiple TV shows, movies, and web series, Sumona has showcased her range as an actress, effortlessly shifting between comedy, drama, and heartfelt performances. Beyond acting, she is an avid traveler and food enthusiast, often sharing her love for exploring new destinations and savoring diverse cuisines on her social media. Sumona’s passion for travel was also showcased in the Zee Zest show Travel West Bengal with Sumona Chakravarti on Shonar Bengal, where she explored the rich culture, delectable food, and natural beauty of West Bengal.

Sujit Sumitran

Sujit Sumitran is a Goa-based sourdough bread baker, good food aficionado, and self-proclaimed "wannabe permaculture farmer." With a deep passion for the art of baking, he has mastered the craft of sourdough, bringing to life loaves that are as flavourful as they are nutritious. Sujit is equally devoted to sustainable living, with a keen interest in permaculture and organic farming practices. Through his work, he celebrates the simple joys of good, honest food, emphasizing quality ingredients, sustainable methods, and a holistic approach to both baking and farming.

Shagun Mehra

Shagun has earned significant recognition in the culinary world, being named one of the Top Five Craft people of India in Luxury Fortune magazine for her profound impact on the wine scene in India. She was also recently listed among the 50 Most Powerful Women in Luxury by LuxeBook magazine. As one of India's most prominent chefs and sommeliers, Shagun is known for her expertise in plant-based and pescatarian cuisine, skillfully blending unique aromas, spices, and seasonal ingredients sourced from local communities. Passionate about empowering women in the culinary industry, she is actively involved in initiatives that support ‘Women in Gastronomy’. Shagun is also developing a remarkable series, Dishes from Elephant Lands, designed to spotlight the communities living around wild elephants in India and showcase their rich culinary traditions.

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.