Indian cuisine and culinary talent are leaving no chance to gain global recognition. Recently, several Indian-origin chefs and restaurants earned nominations at the prestigious James Beard Awards 2026. Read on to know more.
The James Beard Awards 2026 Nominees
As per a report by NDTV, it is also regarded as the “Oscars of the food world” and is one of the highest honours in the US culinary world. This year’s list is a lot more special to Indians, as it reflects the growing influence of the country’s flavours across international dining scenes. Srijith Gopinathan and Ayesha Thapar of Cal-India Collective, along with Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani of the Chai Pani Restaurant Group, are among the nominees competing for the National Outstanding Restaurateur award.
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Both Srijith and Ayesha received their nomination for their leadership of Cal-India Collective, the hospitality group responsible for restaurants like Ettan, Copra, Eylan, and Little Blue Door, with establishments located in Palo Alto, San Francisco, Menlo Park and Los Altos, California. On the other hand, Meherwan and Molly Irani were recognised for their Asheville, North Carolina, flagship full-service restaurant, Chai Pani and counter-service Botiwalla in Asheville and other locations.
All The Indian Restaurants In Nominations
As per reports, Chai Pani Asheville has also won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant back in 2022. The restaurant is known for serving Indian street food and chaat. Another contemporary Indian restaurant, Tamba, was also featured on this year’s nominee list in the national Best New Restaurant category. Located in Town Square, Las Vegas is also popular for its traditional Indian cooking with live-fire techniques, modern presentation and coastal dishes.
Additionally, Chef Suresh Sundas of Daru created history as the first-ever Nepalese chef to be named a James Beard Award finalist. He also earned the honour in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category. Suresh stated that he never attended any culinary school and picked up everything he knows about cooking at his family home in southeastern Nepal.
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The winners of the James Beard Foundation will be announced on June 15, 2026, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/Sprouts Chef Training
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FAQs
What does it mean to win a James Beard Award?
The James Beard Foundation Awards are annual awards presented by the James Beard Foundation to recognize chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, critics and journalists in the United States.
What is the difference between Michelin Star and James Beard Award?
A Michelin Star is awarded by the Michelin Guide to restaurants in selected parts of the world. A James Beard Award, presented by the James Beard Foundation, is given in the United States.
How do you get a James Beard Award?
One can enter through the Open Call for Entry, which applies to those interested in winning a Media award.