10 Indian-American Chefs Named Semifinalists for the Prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards

The James Beard Awards, considered the Oscars of the culinary world, recently revealed its list of semifinalists for 2025, and a remarkable 10 Indian-American chefs have made the cut. This prestigious recognition celebrates talent, creativity, and dedication to enhancing the American food culture. In addition to the Indian-American chefs, one Bangladeshi-American chef also secured a spot, highlighting the growing diversity in the industry.

The Indian-American chefs named as semifinalists span multiple categories, showcasing their exceptional skill and influence in the culinary scene. Among the semifinalists are Lavanya Mahate, who owns Saffron Valley Indian restaurants in Utah, and Niven Patel, the chef and co-owner of Ghee Indian Kitchen in Miami, Florida. Patel is recognized for his innovative farm-to-table approach, which is supported by his two-acre farm that supplies fresh ingredients to his various restaurants.

Lavanya Mahate’s contribution to the culinary world goes beyond her restaurants. She’s also the founder of RISE Culinary Institute, a nonprofit initiative that offers free culinary training to immigrant and refugee women. Additionally, she operates six Saffron Valley locations and Biscotts Bakery & Cafe, cementing her status as an influential restaurateur.

In the Emerging Chef category, Bhavin Chhatwani of Tamasha Modern Indian in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Nikhil Naiker of NIMKI in Providence, Rhode Island, are also featured. Chhatwani’s rise in the culinary world includes experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, and Naiker’s blend of Fijian-Indian heritage with local ingredients in his dishes is catching attention.

The list also highlights the diversity of Indian-American chefs across various regions. Sujan Sarkar, who runs Indienne in Chicago, stands out with his Michelin-starred experience in French cuisine, while Zeeshan Shah and Nikhil Abuvala continue to carve their niches in the American food scene with their respective restaurants.

One standout name is Anu Apte, owner of the renowned cocktail bar Rob Roy in Seattle. Nominated in the newly created category of Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Apte brings a global perspective to mixology, with her background in bartending and recent studies in psychology and counseling. Her belief that hospitality should prioritize mental well-being adds a unique layer to her approach.

The awards, established in 1990, now include three new categories for 2025: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. This reflects the ever-evolving food and beverage landscape, recognizing contributions from all aspects of the dining experience.

These semifinalists represent a broader trend in the culinary world, where diverse influences are increasingly shaping menus and dining experiences across the U.S. From fine dining to casual eateries, the James Beard Awards remain a beacon for the culinary excellence that enriches the nation’s food culture.

The full list of nominees will be announced in April, with the winners honored in June at a ceremony in Chicago. This year’s semifinalists not only showcase the brilliance of Indian-American chefs but also reflect the rich, multicultural tapestry that defines American cuisine today.