Pooja Dhingra, a celebrated Indian pastry chef and the owner of Le15, a French-inspired patisserie in Mumbai, has created history by receiving the prestigious La Liste Pastry Game Changer Award 2025 at their annual Pastry Special Awards for 2025 in Paris. She is not only the first Indian chef to receive the title but also the first female chef!
Pooja Dhingra Receives La Liste Pastry Game Changer Award
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Good news! Indian pastry chef and Le15India founder Pooja Dhingra has made history and the whole country proud by receiving the La Liste Pastry Game Changer Award, a prestigious title that recognises pastry chefs for their creativity and craftsmanship in the world of pastries and desserts. She shared the news with her followers on Instagram, captioning the video “Eeeeeep! Still pinching myself! Thank you @laliste1000 and @helenepietrini, and team for this honour!! @rashmiudaysingh, thank you for all your love and support from day one. Grateful for everything this journey brings”.
In the clip, she emotionally revealed that she’s not only the first Indian chef but also the first female chef to receive this honour. Her voice carried emotion as she recalled how her 22-year-old self, a tired young chef in Paris, would have never imagined such a moment. She also admitted feeling overwhelmed by the global recognition, saying her journey wasn’t easy. There were many moments of doubt in her career that made this achievement even more meaningful.
Also Read: Pooja Dhingra Surprises Bestie Sonam Kapoor With Her Favourite Chocolate Mint Cake; Watch Here!
In her video, she also appeared alongside Pierre Hermé, the renowned French pastry chef and chocolatier often called the ‘Picasso of Pastry’. She mentioned that tasting his macarons as a student changed her life, inspiring her to bring that taste to India. That moment eventually led to the existence of Le15. She ended the video by saying she will always remain grateful for this recognition and everything her career has brought her.
Support And Congratulatory Messages From Friends And Followers
Her reel quickly got so much love and support from fans, fellow chefs, and celebrities. Ranveer Brar, one of India’s top chefs, commented, “Soooooo Proud!” while filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder also left a warm message of congratulations. Many others praised her, with one user writing, “You inspire so many of us”.
This is undoubtedly a proud moment. Pooja Dhingra was just a young girl when she decided to become a pastry chef. Her small business, Le15 Patisserie, has now become a beloved name for those who enjoy authentic French macarons, hot chocolate, and classic pastries.
Also Read: Modak Meets Macaron: A Festive Twist by Pooja Dhingra & Chef Varun Inamdar
Through her hard work, she has grown into one of India’s most celebrated chefs, and now, she’s recognised on the global stage too. She is a true inspiration for many young and aspiring bakers across the country.
Cover Image Courtesy: @poojadhingra/ Instagram
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