Daawat World Biryani Day Lights Up Indore with Flavor

Indore was swept up in a wave of aroma, taste, and celebration as LT Foods hosted the spectacular 4th edition of DAAWAT® World Biryani Day. The city, known for its vibrant food culture, became the epicenter of biryani mania, bringing together chefs, home cooks, food lovers, and artists for a day dedicated to India’s most cherished culinary masterpiece.

A Grand Culinary Celebration

The highlight of the festivities was the DAAWAT® Biryani Champions League, a unique contest that honored both home chefs and professional restaurant chefs. This first-of-its-kind event in Indore recognized the city’s growing passion for biryani—a dish that transcends regions and unites people with its rich flavors and cultural roots.

Home Chef Edition: From 749 to the Top 5

The Home Chef competition saw an overwhelming 749 entries from across Indore. After a rigorous selection process—where contestants submitted recipe videos and hosted home visits from the judging panel—five talented finalists were chosen:

• Tajwar (New Azad Nagar)
• Prateek Shende (Nand Vihar Colony)
• Ms. Arifa Khan (Shahi Bagh Colony)
• Aarti Dwivedi (Iris Park, Talawali Chanda)
• Anoop Singh Yadav (Bhawarkua Square)

In a live cook-off, these home chefs showcased their biryani skills and creativity. Tajwar emerged as the “DAAWAT® Biryani Champion,” receiving a trophy, certificate, chef’s coat, cash reward, and a Daawat hamper. Prateek Shende was named runner-up, also taking home a certificate, cash prize, and hamper.

Restaurant Chef Edition: Professionals Battle It Out

The professional chef contest was equally fierce, with over 236 chefs from Indore’s top restaurants submitting their biryani recipes. After detailed kitchen visits and assessments, five finalists competed live:

• Rehwar Khan (Paakasaala The Andhra Kitchen)
• Shiva (Khalsa Dhaba)
• Ashok (Madni Darbar)
• Mohsin Khan (Baawarchi)
• Jigar (Zakir Family Restaurant)

Rehwar Khan clinched the top spot, while Ashok was the runner-up. Both were honored with trophies, chef coats, certificates, cash prizes, and Daawat hampers.

More Than Just a Competition

The day was about more than just food—it was a celebration of community, culture, and music. The festivities culminated in a soulful concert by renowned Sufi singer Satinder Sartaaj, whose performance added magic to an evening already filled with joy and togetherness. Thousands of foodies and music lovers gathered, making it a true citywide festival.

A Brand’s Commitment to Culinary Heritage

LT Foods, the Indian-origin global FMCG company behind Daawat, used the event to reaffirm its role as a “global torchbearer of biryani.” By organizing such grand celebrations, the brand is not just promoting its basmati rice but also nurturing India’s culinary traditions and empowering both home cooks and professionals to “Bring Out Their Finest”.

CEO, India Business & Far East, LT Foods Ltd., said:

“Biryani enjoys a revered place in the global culinary landscape. It transcends boundaries, uniting people of all ages and cultures through its rich flavours and emotional resonance. At LT Foods, we believe this iconic dish deserves its own day of celebration—a day to honour its timeless appeal and the joy it brings to countless homes around the world.”

Chief Marketing Officer, LT Foods, added:

“DAAWAT® World Biryani Day is a unique occasion for all the Biryani lovers to express their love for this dish that is distinctively Indian, but enjoys universal appeal across countries and cultures. Through DAAWAT® Biryani Champions League, we intend to provide a platform to talented Home Chefs and Professional Chefs to be acknowledged for their efforts in making Biryani the most loved dish of the world.”

The Spirit of Biryani: A Universal Favorite

World Biryani Day, celebrated globally on the first Sunday of July, is a testament to the dish’s universal appeal. Whether it’s a home-cooked pot or a restaurant specialty, biryani brings people together, sparking memories and creating new traditions. Through events like these, Daawat continues to inspire food lovers everywhere to celebrate and innovate with biryani.