Among the evening's most anticipated honours was the Best Restaurateur of the Year award, a category that recognises industry leaders who have built exceptional dining brands while making a significant contribution to the growth of hospitality in India. This year, the accolade was awarded to Doma Wang, one of the country's most respected restaurateurs and a pioneering force in bringing Tibetan and Himalayan cuisine into the mainstream. The award was presented by jury members British restaurateur Asma Khan, culinary anthropologist Kurush Dalal, and actress-poet Sandhya Mridul.