Top 5 Women Chefs in India 2025 | NFCI

For years, the culinary world was seen as a male-dominated industry. But times have changed. In recent years, women chefs in India have stepped into the spotlight, making their mark with talent, creativity, and leadership. From winning Michelin stars to pioneering new cuisines, these women are rewriting the story of Indian gastronomy.

Here are the Top 5 Women Chefs in India (2025) who are shaping the future of food:

1. Garima Arora

• First Indian woman with a Michelin star (2018).
• Won her second Michelin star in 2024.
• Titled Asia’s Best Female Chef.

Garima Arora, based in Mumbai, is a true trailblazer. Her restaurant Gaa in Bangkok is world-famous for combining modern cooking techniques with traditional Indian flavors. With international recognition and two Michelin stars, she continues to inspire young chefs across India and beyond.

 

2. Ritu Dalmia

• Celebrity chef and author.
• Runs restaurants in India, Milan, and Dubai.
• Known for her mastery of Italian cuisine.

Ritu Dalmia has built a legacy with her restaurants like Diva and Cittamani. She brought authentic Italian flavors to Indian fine dining and expanded India’s culinary reputation globally. Beyond food, she is also respected for advocating inclusivity and social change, making her influence go far beyond the kitchen.

 

3. Megha Kohli

• Specializes in Mediterranean cuisine.
• Featured in Harper’s Bazaar and lifestyle magazines.
• Former Head Chef at Lavaash by Saby.

Megha Kohli is one of the rising stars of India’s culinary scene. She’s celebrated for reviving forgotten recipes and giving them a modern twist. Passionate about mentoring young chefs, especially women, Megha is helping build a more inclusive and innovative food culture in India.

4. Amninder Sandhu

• Advocate of the slow food movement.
• Known for cooking with clay pots and wood fire.
• Featured in Restaurant Times’ top chefs list.

Amninder Sandhu is deeply committed to preserving India’s culinary traditions. From her time at Arth Mumbai to her advocacy for sustainable and mindful cooking, she promotes food that is authentic, flavorful, and respectful of the environment. She is a voice of tradition in a fast-changing food industry.

5. Sneha Singh

• Chef, content creator, and founder of VELORA.
• Featured in Curly Tales’ top chefs editorial.
• Focuses on fusion food and digital storytelling.

Sneha Singh represents the new generation of chefs who are as comfortable online as they are in the kitchen. Through her digital food venture and engaging content, she makes gourmet cooking relatable to younger audiences. Her creative experiments and strong digital presence have made her a trendsetter in modern Indian gastronomy.

 

Final Thoughts

These five women chefs are more than just culinary stars—they are leaders, innovators, and role models. Whether it’s Garima Arora winning Michelin stars, Ritu Dalmia spreading Italian flavors, or Sneha Singh making food digital, they’re all reshaping the way India cooks and eats.

The success of these women shows that the future of Indian cuisine is inclusive, global, and full of flavor.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Women Chefs in India

Q1. Who is the first Indian woman to win a Michelin star?
Garima Arora was the first Indian woman to receive a Michelin star in 2018. She later won her second star in 2024, making her one of the most celebrated chefs in Asia.

Q2. What is the importance of a Michelin star?
A Michelin star is one of the world’s most prestigious awards in the culinary industry. It recognizes exceptional food quality, creativity, and consistency.

• ⭐ One Star: A very good restaurant in its category.

• ⭐⭐ Two Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour.

• ⭐⭐⭐ Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.

For chefs, it’s not just an award but a global validation of their talent, placing them on the international map and attracting worldwide recognition.

Q3. Which cuisines are women chefs in India most famous for?
They specialize in diverse cuisines—Garima Arora (modern Indian fusion), Ritu Dalmia (Italian), Megha Kohli (Mediterranean), Amninder Sandhu (traditional Indian slow food), and Sneha Singh (fusion and digital gastronomy).

Q4. Are women chefs in India gaining global recognition?
Yes, many Indian women chefs have earned international awards and run restaurants abroad. Garima Arora and Ritu Dalmia are great examples of chefs who’ve made India proud globally.

Q5. How are women chefs inspiring the younger generation?
Through their achievements, mentorship, and digital storytelling, they motivate young students—especially women—to pursue careers in culinary arts and hospitality.

Q6. What challenges do women chefs face in India?
The culinary field has been male-dominated for years, so women often face stereotypes, long working hours, and balancing personal-professional life. However, today they are breaking barriers with determination and success.

Q7. Who are the most popular women chefs in India in 2025?
The top five highlighted in this blog are Garima Arora, Ritu Dalmia, Megha Kohli, Amninder Sandhu, and Sneha Singh.

Q8. Can women chefs in India also be content creators?
Yes! Chefs like Sneha Singh are blending food with digital storytelling, using social media to make gourmet cooking accessible and relatable for younger audiences.

Q9. Why is the rise of women chefs important for Indian gastronomy?
It brings inclusivity, diversity, and new perspectives. Women chefs are reviving traditions, introducing global flavors, and making the food industry more innovative and inspiring.