NDTV Food Awards 2024 Is Here - Meet The Jury

AD Singh is the visionary Founder and Managing Director of the Olive Group of Restaurants, credited with pioneering several innovative dining concepts in India, including the country's first standalone restaurant, Olive in Mumbai.

Restaurateur Ajay Chopra is a chef, food consultant, and restaurateur. As the Managing Director of Zion Hospitality, he is involved in content creation, training, and mentoring food brands. From hosting MasterChef India to launching restaurants and providing guidance to hotels and restaurants, Ajay successfully wears many hats.

She is a chef, author, and restauranteur. After receiving her Cordon Bleu Grand Diplome in London, Anahita Dhondy Bhandari launched the first SodaBottleOpenerWala with veteran restaurateur AD Singh in 2013. Since then, she has strived to popularize Parsi food and has won several awards, making her a prominent name in the Indian culinary scene.

Ananya Banerjee's diverse talents span across cooking, painting, law, and social influencing. As an accomplished chef, author, and food show host, she has made significant contributions to the culinary world, sharing her expertise through cookbooks, TV shows, and food delivery services.

A passionate storyteller, Ashwin Rajagopalan captures culinary as well as travel tales. As a content architect, speaker, and cultural intelligence coach, he has over 20 years of experience. Ashwin specializes in communicating across cultures and boundaries, and he writes for leading publications.

Earning his first Michelin star in 2001, Atul Kochhar opened his restaurant in London's Mayfair in 2002, which earned him a second Michelin star in 2007. Since then, he has opened several award-winning restaurants in London. In 2021, he opened SAGA, a modern and fun dining place in Gurugram.

Chef, and Restaurateur Harpal Singh Sokhi, affectionately known as the "Energy Chef of India," has left an indelible mark on the culinary world with his unique sense of humor and authentic Punjabi cooking style. He has established popular restaurants nationwide and launched his own line of non-stick cookware.

Chef and restaurateur Hemant Oberoi is recognized for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine. His illustrious career has seen him raise the bar as the Grand Chef of Taj Group of Hotels for over four decades. He has also charmed diners at his exclusive restaurants in Mumbai, Delhi, Singapore, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi.

Kalyan Karmakar is a distinguished food blogger and writer, recognized for his award-winning blog, FinelyChopped. Transitioning into professional food writing, he contributes regularly to leading publications and is sought after as a food consultant.

Manish Mehrotra has designed Indian Accent's path-breaking menu. Called the most exciting modern Indian chef in the world today, he started his career at the Thai Pavilion of the Taj Hotels in Mumbai before joining Old World Hospitality in 2000 and has been with the company ever since.

Chef Manisha Bhasin has carved a niche for herself in her 30 years with ITC Hotels, making a substantial contribution to Indian cuisine with legendary restaurants like Bukhara and Dum Pukht. As Corporate Chef, she has pioneered many path-breaking concepts including Dehlnavi and pan-Asian.

In his stint at ITC Hotels, Manjit Gill had successfully created some of the best restaurants of Indian cuisine in the country including Bukhara, Dum Pukht, Dakshin, and Royal Vega. He is currently serving as President of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations and MD of Ecogreen Hospitality.

Nita Mehta is a prominent figure in the culinary world, renowned as a chef, author, restaurateur, and media personality. With an impressive portfolio of around 400 cookbooks, she also operates a culinary academy in New Delhi. Additionally, Nita has successfully built a thriving business empire, showcasing her specially formulated spice blends.

Parvinder Singh Bali is the Corporate Chef at the Oberoi Center of Learning and Development. He has completed his Pro Certification level 2 from the Culinary Institute of America and is one of only three chefs in India to have been professionally certified by CIA and the American Culinary Federation.

Pawan Soni is the dynamic Founder and CEO of Indian Food Freak, renowned for his influential blog and contributions to leading magazines. An avid cocktail and wine enthusiast, Pawan is also the driving force behind The Big F Awards.

Chef, author, and entrepreneur Pooja Dhingra is the creative force behind the Le15 chain of patisseries. Recognized on the Forbes '30 under 30' list in both India and Asia, she has garnered acclaim for her remarkable skills as a pâtissier and her remarkable entrepreneurial journey.

After years of research, Prateek Sadhu has brought his learning to the plate at Naar, his new experimental restaurant near Kasauli. Before striking out on his own, he was the executive chef of Masque, after having worked in some of the world's finest kitchens and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Radhika Dhariwal, founder and director of Pass Code Hospitality, has played a pivotal role in creating captivating F&B concepts across India. Collaborating with her brother Rakshay, she is spearheading the launch of 30 new restaurants and bars globally over the next eight years.

Rakesh Sethi is a national award-winning chef, author, speaker, and TV personality. With an impressive culinary history, he is currently the Corporate Executive Chef of Radisson Hotel Group. Rakesh is an enthusiastic and motivated chef and team leader with extensive knowledge in all aspects of food.

Restaurateur Riyaaz Amlani is the CEO and Managing Director of Impressario Handmade Restaurants. Over the years, Riyaaz has established over 50 restaurants across 15 cities in India. His brands include SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, Smoke House Deli, Salt Water Cafe, Flea Bazaar Cafe, Ishaara, Slink & Bardot, and The Tasting Room.

Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, popularly known as Chef Saby, is a prominent figure in the culinary landscape. In addition to owning a boutique hospitality consultancy company, he serves as a consultant chef and hosts various culinary programs.

Shipra Khanna is a chef, author, and TV personality. She is best known for winning the second season of MasterChef India at the age of 29. An author of eight cookbooks, she has been honoured with the Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Award at the British Parliament.

Food blogger Uma Raghuraman is a highly regarded food blogger renowned for her extensive collection of recipes and captivating food photography. With a significant following on Instagram, she conducts workshops on Indian home cooking, both domestically and internationally.

Vicky Ratnani is a celebrated chef and TV personality, known for his culinary expertise and engaging web series, "Vicky The Gastronaut." He has made significant contributions to the restaurant industry, conceptualizing menus and food concepts for various establishments.

Vineet Bhatia is a globally renowned chef, restaurateur, author, and media personality. Having opened several restaurants across the globe, he is the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star and the only chef of Indian origin to receive two Michelin stars.

Zeba Kohli stands out as one of the country's most esteemed chocolatiers, credited with revitalizing her family brand, Fantasie Fine Chocolate. Her exceptional contributions to the F&B field have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition from the Indo-Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Son of the late Jiggs Kalra, Zorawar Kalra is the Managing Director of Massive Restaurants, which owns brands such as Masala Library, Made In Punjab, Farzi Cafe, Pa Pa Ya, Masala Bar, BO-TAI, YOUNION, Swan, and Louis Burgers. He now boasts more than two dozen restaurants across nine brands in eight countries.