Indian Restaurant Congress Goes Global
A new international gathering of chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality leaders highlights the growing influence of Indian cuisine in Britain and beyond.
More than 250 restaurateurs, chefs, entrepreneurs and hospitality executives gathered at the Royal Lancaster London on May 28 for the inaugural global edition of the Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards, an event that organizers said reflects the expanding international footprint of Indian cuisine and restaurant businesses.
The conference, launched in London after more than 15 years of operation in India, brought together some of the most prominent figures in the Indian and British hospitality sectors to discuss industry trends, investment opportunities and the future of Indian dining in global markets.
Participants included Michelin-starred chefs, restaurant founders and senior executives from hospitality and food-service companies. Among those speaking at the event were Atul Kochhar, Vivek Singh, Cyrus Todiwala, Sameer Taneja and Romy Gill, all of whom have played significant roles in shaping the profile of Indian cuisine in the United Kingdom.
“The platform has become a strong voice for the restaurant and hospitality ecosystem in India,” said Sachin Marya, managing director of Franchise India, the organization behind the event. He described London as one of the world’s most influential markets for Indian food and hospitality.
The gathering also marked the launch of two industry initiatives: Entrepreneur’s Restaurateur Global Issue, a publication focused on hospitality leadership and growth strategies, and RestaurantIndia.uk, a business-to-business platform aimed at serving the U.K.’s Indian restaurant sector.
The event attracted several public figures, including Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Kulveer Ranger and Councillor Aarien Areti, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Panel discussions focused on topics ranging from international expansion and changing consumer preferences to technology adoption and investment trends. Speakers examined how Indian restaurant brands can scale globally while preserving culinary authenticity.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Global Indian Restaurant Awards, recognizing achievements across a range of categories.
Among the top honors, chef Sanjeev Kapoor was named Global Indian Chef of the Year, while Atul Kochhar received the Culinary Excellence Award. The Cinnamon Club was named Global Indian Restaurant of the Year, and Colonel Saab received the award for Best Indian Restaurant in the United Kingdom.
Industry observers say the event reflects a broader transformation of Indian cuisine from a regional dining category into a global culinary and business force. In Britain, where Indian restaurants have long been part of the cultural landscape, a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs is increasingly positioning Indian food at the premium end of the market while expanding internationally.
The London congress signals an effort to create a global forum for that growing industry, linking restaurant operators, investors and culinary leaders across multiple markets.
