10 Indian American chefs named semifinalists for James Beard Awards

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Eleven South Asian chefs, including 10 Indian Americans and one Bangladeshi American, have been named semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. Recognized as one of the highest honors in the culinary world, the awards celebrate exceptional talent and commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving food culture, the James Beard Foundation announced on Jan.22.

Among the Indian American semifinalists are Lavanya Mahate, Bhavin Chhatwani, Nikhil Naiker, Anu Apte, and Niven Patel. Also making the list are Sujan Sarkar of Indienne in Chicago, Illinois; Zeeshan Shah of Superkhana International in Chicago; Nikhil Abuvala of Roux 30a in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; and Arvinder and Ashwin Vilkhu of Saffron Nola in New Orleans, Louisiana. Representing Bangladeshi Americans, Avishar Barua of Agni in Columbus, Ohio, has also secured a semifinalist spot.

The James Beard Awards, established in 1990, honor excellence across diverse dining experiences, from fine dining to casual eateries. This year, in recognition of the evolving food and beverage landscape, the awards have introduced three new categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Among the standout semifinalists is Niven Patel, chef and co-owner of Ghee Indian Kitchen in Miami, Florida. Patel, who grew up in a traditional Indian household in the southern U.S., discovered his passion for cooking at an early age. Inspired by his travels and culinary experiences across the Cayman Islands, Florida Keys, and Europe, Patel embraces a farm-to-table philosophy. His two-acre farm, Rancho Patel, supplies fresh produce to his restaurants, which include Ghee Indian Kitchen, Italian-inspired Erba, and NiMo Coastal Mediterranean.

Lavanya Mahate, owner of Saffron Valley Indian restaurants in Utah, is a contender in the Outstanding Restaurateur category, one of the foundation's most prestigious awards. Mahate, originally from Chennai, India, arrived in Utah in 2001 and started her culinary journey selling spices at Salt Lake City's Downtown Farmers Market. Today, she operates six Saffron Valley locations and founded Biscotts Bakery & Cafe. Beyond her business success, Mahate launched RISE Culinary Institute, a nonprofit that provides free culinary training to refugee and immigrant women from low-income families. "This initiative equips talented women with the skills they need to thrive," Mahate said.

In the Emerging Chef category, Bhavin Chhatwani of Tamasha Modern Indian in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Nikhil Naiker of NIMKI in Providence, Rhode Island, have been recognized for their potential to make a lasting impact in the industry. Chhatwani, originally from Rajasthan, India, honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants, including Taj Campton Place in San Francisco. Naiker, born in Fiji and raised in California’s Bay Area, moved to Providence to attend Johnson & Wales University and quickly became a rising star in the local restaurant scene. "I want to combine my Fijian-Indian heritage with the incredible local ingredients available here," Naiker said.

Anu Apte, owner of Seattle's renowned cocktail bar Rob Roy, is nominated in the newly introduced Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category. With a diverse background that includes bartending across the globe and presenting at the National Museum of American History, Apte's influence extends beyond mixology. "Hospitality should prioritize mental well-being," she said, referencing her recent studies in psychology and counseling.

Bhavin Chhatwani, the executive chef at Tamasha Modern Indian, is celebrated as one of the top 15 chefs to watch in the USA for 2024. He is redefining the culinary landscape with his innovative approach to modern Indian cuisine. With a prestigious Michelin-starred background, Chef Bhavin has mastered the art of blending traditional Indian flavors with contemporary technique.

Sujan Sarkar, from Kolkata, honed his culinary skills in London's most intense, iconic Michelin-starred kitchens, growing his affinity for French cuisine. Sujan Sarkar owns the Chicago's only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Indienne. 

Zeeshan Shah is co-owner/chef of Superkhana International, located in one of Chicago's newest burgeoning pockets of eclectic shops and restaurants.

The James Beard Foundation will announce the official nominees on Apr.2, with the winners to be honored at a ceremony on Jun.16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.