India, Dec. 23 -- It's has been a standout year for Indian bars and restaurants, with chefs and culinary entrepreneurs earning global recognition across Asia's best lists and the world's top rankings.

In a landmark moment, Lucknow became India's second UNESCO City of Gastronomy after Hyderabad (2019), underscoring the country's growing culinary influence. Here's a dekko.

Chefs take a front seat

Chef Himanshu Saini ranked No. 3 globally at The Best Chef Awards 2025, one of the highest-ever positions for an Indian chef. He also received the prestigious 'Three Knives' accolade. His Tresind Studio in Dubai also received its third Michelin star in the 2025 Michelin Guide Dubai, becoming the world's first Indian restaurant to achieve this mi...