Description and Criteria

Category Code	Category Name	Category Description	Who Can Apply
A1	Excellence in Food Plating & Presentation	Recognize a ceterer who showcases exceptional creativity in arranging and presenting food dishes for events. Entries will be judged on their ability to make their culinary creations visually appealing, creating memorable dining experiences with their artistic and innovative touch, tailored specifically for events.	Hotel Banquets / Caterer / Independent Chef
A2	Best Menu Design & Execution	Recognize outstanding achievement in menu design and execution at a single event, this category celebrates the meticulous planning, creativity, and flawless execution demonstrated by participants. The award recognizes the seamless integration of culinary expertise, aesthetic appeal, and guest experience into a cohesive and memorable menu.	Hotel Banquets / Caterer
A3	Excellence In Indian Cultural & Street Food - Chaat	Recognize a catering company excelling in presenting vibrant flavors of Indian cultural street food, with a focus on Chaat. Evaluation is based on mastery in crafting authentic Chaat dishes, blending traditional flavors innovatively, evoking fond memories of street-side indulgences while delighting palates with modern twists. Note: The shortlisted participants will be invited for a food tasting and presentation round. Further details of the tasting round will be shared with the shortlisted participants.	Caterer / Hotel Banquets / Chaat Company
A4	Fruit Caterer Of The Year	Recognize a caterer in crafting visually striking fruit installations. Entrants should showcase a prime example where they demonstrate exceptional expertise in arranging fruits to create artistic and captivating displays, significantly enhancing the aesthetic appeal and sophistication of events.	Caterer / Hotel Banquets
A5	Innovation In Fruit Plating & Presentation	Recognizing caterers and hotel banquets for their inventive approaches to creating, presenting, and serving fruit dishes at events. This category celebrates innovative techniques, designs, and culinary creations that push the boundaries of fruit-based offerings, showcasing new dishes, plating and presentation styles.	Caterer / Hotel Banquets
A6	Excellence In Indian Dessert	Recognize a caterer renowned for their excellence in preparing traditional Indian desserts with authenticity and creativity. This category celebrates their mastery in crafting iconic sweets like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, and Rasgulla, offering delightful dessert experiences infused with rich cultural flavors. Note: The shortlisted participants will be invited for a food tasting and presentation round. Further details of the tasting round will be shared with the shortlisted participants.	Caterer/ Hotel Banquets / Mithai Brand
A7	Excellence In Global Dessert	Recognize a caterer for exceptional skill in crafting diverse and delicious desserts from around the world. From innovative flavors to creative presentations, they excel in delivering delightful dessert experiences that transcend cultural boundaries and leave a lasting impression on customers. Note: The shortlisted participants will be invited for a food tasting and presentation round. Further details of the tasting round will be shared with the shortlisted participants.	Caterer/ Hotel Banquets / Dessert Brand
A8	Excellence In Edible Gifting & Giveaways	Recognizes individuals or businesses that excel in the art of creating memorable and delightful edible gifts and giveaways. This category celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation in the presentation and selection of edible items such as fruits, desserts, sweets, and other culinary delights.	Caterer / Hotel / Dessert Brand / Mithai Brand / Fruit Caterer / Nameek Brand / Gifting Vendor
A9	Excellence In Asian Cuisine	Recognize a caterer for expertise in Asian cuisine. This award celebrates their mastery in crafting diverse and flavorful dishes from across Asia, showcasing authentic recipes and creative presentations. Note: The shortlisted participants will be invited for a food tasting and presentation round. Further details of the tasting round will be shared with the shortlisted participants.	Caterer/ Hotel Banquets / Hotel Restaurant / Individual Restaurants
A10	Excellence In International Cuisine	"Recognize a caterer, hotel, or restaurant known for their skill in cooking a wide range of dishes from around the world. They're recognized for their ability to create authentic flavors and highlight the diversity of global cuisine. Note: The shortlisted participants will be invited for a food tasting and presentation round. Further details of the tasting round will be shared with the shortlisted participants."	Caterer/ Hotel Banquets / Hotel Restaurant / Individual Restaurants
A11	Excellence In Indian Cuisine	Recognize a catering company that shines in showcasing the diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. Whether it's North Indian favorites or South Indian specialties, they're praised for their dedication to quality, authenticity, and creativity in presenting the vibrant and delicious world of Indian food. Note: The shortlisted participants will be invited for a food tasting and presentation round. Further details of the tasting round will be shared with the shortlisted participants.	Caterer/ Hotel Banquets / Hotel Restaurant / Individual Restaurants
A12	Innovation In Food Fusion	Recognize a catering company that blends different cuisines and dishes creatively to offer a unique culinary experience. Entries should demonstrate innovative use of flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods from various culinary traditions to create inventive and exciting dish. Note: The shortlisted participants will be invited for a food tasting and presentation round. Further details of the tasting round will be shared with the shortlisted participants.	Caterer/ Hotel Banquets / Hotel Restaurant / Individual Restaurants
A13	Excellence In Backend Management	Recognize a caterer who has successfully implemented advanced solutions such as payment processing systems, staff scheduling and management tools, inventory tracking platforms, and other backend technologies that have significantly enhanced efficiency, productivity, and overall business performance.	Caterer/ Hotel Banquets / Hotel Restaurant / Individual Restaurants
A14	Specialty Station Of The Year	Recognizes vendors/brands who specialize in setting up unique stalls or counters at events, weddings, and gatherings to offer specialty items (popcorn, ice cream, paan, tea, coffee, etc). Winners will be selected based on the quality of their offerings, uniqueness of their offerings, presentation, customer engagement, and overall contribution to enhancing the ambiance and enjoyment of the event.	Vendors/Brands of Speciality Food
A15	Rising Star Caterer Of The Year	Recognize and celebrate an exceptional catering company operating within the wedding and corporate event sector, highlighting their innovative practices and impactful contributions that have raised industry standards. Participating organisation should be incorporated for Upto 2 years	Caterer
A16	Emerging Catering Company Of The Year	Recognize and celebrate an exceptional catering company operating within the wedding and corporate event sector for 2 to 5 years, highlighting their innovative practices and impactful contributions that have raised industry standards	Caterer
A17	Outdoor Catering (ODC) Restaurant Of The Year	Recognizes a restaurant that excels in providing catering services for events held at various venues. This award celebrates restaurants that consistently deliver exceptional food quality, presentation, and service outside of their own premises. The winning restaurant demonstrates versatility, professionalism, and a commitment to exceeding the expectations of clients and guests at events of all sizes and types. Give options for this definition	Hotel Restaurants / Individual Restaurants
A18	Catering Company Of The Year - Wedding	Recognize a catering company that has delivered outstanding service and unforgettable dining experiences at weddings. The company should showcase creativity, attention to detail, and a passion for delighting wedding couples and their guests.	Caterer
A19	Catering Company Of The Year - Corporate Event	Recognize a catering company that has excelled in providing exceptional service and innovative catering solutions for corporate events. The company should demonstrate a commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction, setting a new standard for corporate event catering	Caterer
A20	Food Curator Of The Year	Food Curator of the Year celebrates caterers' talent in crafting unforgettable culinary experiences through exceptional menu design and theme adherence. Entrants present 2 events showcasing their creativity in elevating the dining experience, going the extra mile to make it truly special and memorable.	Caterer / Hotel Banquets / Independent Chef
A21	Hotel Executive Chef Of The Year	Recognize a chef's culinary skills and expertise in smoothly running operations and executing menus or restaurant catering flawlessly. They excel in managing client expectations and budgets while delivering expert cuisine. Note: Eligible candidates must hold a minimum of two years' experience as an executive chef in a hotel setting.	Chef
A22	Chef Of The Year (Non-Institutional)	Recognising a non institutional individual chef for his culinary art and flair in achieving smooth operations and perfect execution of menus/restaurant catering / expert cuisine while managing client expectations and budgets. The participant must not be working with a hotel.	Chef
A23	Progressive Chef Of The Year	Recognize a chef who demonstrates exceptional creativity and forward-thinking in any aspect of their culinary practice, whether it be in dish creation, culinary techniques, kitchen operations, or overall culinary philosophy.	Chef
B24	Mixologist Of The Year	This category recognizes mixologists who demonstrate passion for mixology and drinks, showcasing creativity, innovation, and immaculate presentation. Nominees should excel in managing bar operations and sourcing quality ingredients.	Bartenders
B25	Bartending Co. Of The Year	Recognize a bartending company distinguished by its exceptional service and creative expertise in crafting drinks for weddings and corporate events. Entrants must showcase 3 events, featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, to demonstrate their proficiency and innovation in bartending	Bartenders / Bartending Companies
B26	Bar Trendsetter Of The Year	Recognize a bartending company achieving extraordinary success in Trendsetting new concepts & Innovation in service and presentation of alcoholic beverages at events. Entrants must showcase 2 events that is unique and left the guests awestruck.	Bartending Companies / Individual Liquor Brands
B27	Flair Bartender Of The Year	Recognize an individual bartender distinguished by exceptional skill and creative expertise in crafting drinks for various events. Entrants must showcase their bartending techniques and innovation. The award celebrates the bartender's ability to entertain, engage, and impress audiences with their mastery of flair while delivering exceptional service and quality beverages.	Bartenders
C28	Banquet Catering Management Of The Year	Recognizes standalone agencies and catering companies that demonstrate exemplary leadership and expertise in managing banquet events. This award celebrates organizations that exhibit outstanding skills in coordination, communication, and service delivery while upholding high standards of hospitality.	Banquets / Caterer
C29	Excellence in use of Social Media	Recognize a caterer who leveraged social media to amplify their brand presence and client engagement. Entrants are evaluated on innovative strategies, compelling content, audience interaction, and tangible contributions to business growth	Caterer
C30	Food Influencer Of The Year	Recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact on the culinary world through their online presence and influence. This award celebrates individuals who have leveraged social media platforms, blogs, videos, or other digital mediums to inspire and educate audiences about food, cooking, and culinary culture.	Food Influencers / Food Blogers