India’s fast-expanding food delivery economy took the spotlight at the third edition of the Times Food Delivery Awards – North 2026, as restaurant chains, cloud kitchens, coffee brands and technology partners were recognised for driving innovation in a sector that has rapidly evolved beyond convenience into a digitally powered hospitality ecosystem.
Held at the Radisson Hotel on MG Road in New Delhi, the awards celebrated businesses that have successfully adapted to changing consumer preferences, where demand for restaurant-quality meals at home, premium dining experiences and technology-enabled ordering continues to reshape the food service industry. Actor Gulshan Grover attended the event as the chief guest.
The awards reflected the growing sophistication of India’s online food delivery market, with honours spanning legacy restaurant brands, emerging cloud kitchens, regional cuisine specialists, healthy food concepts and ecosystem enablers supporting digital commerce.
Among the notable winners, Moti Mahal Delux (South Extension) received the award for Legendary Culinary – Excellence in North Indian Food Delivery, while Biryani by Kilo was recognised as the Iconic Biryani Brand in Delhi-NCR. Goila Butter Chicken won for Iconic Butter Chicken, Berco’s was honoured as a Legendary Chinese Brand, and Big Wong received recognition in the Legendary Pan Asian category.
Coffee and café brands also featured prominently, with Nothing Before Coffee named the Trendsetting Fastest Growing Coffee Chain, Libertario Coffee Co. & Roasters winning the Iconic Coffee Brand award, and Cascara Coffee recognised as an emerging coffee brand.
The awards also highlighted the increasing importance of health-focused and niche food concepts. Protein Chef was recognised for healthy food offerings, while Lyfberry Acai received the award for Iconic Healthy Dessert Brand. Oh Hunger was named an Iconic Cloud Kitchen, underlining the continued growth of delivery-first restaurant models.
Women’s entrepreneurship also found recognition, with Masala Parcel honoured as a women-led homestyle food brand and Fromage recognised as an emerging women-led Italian culinary brand.
Beyond restaurants, the event acknowledged companies supporting the digital food ecosystem. O2 Solutions received recognition for strategic online ordering and data consulting, while Square Fork was honoured for marketing and public relations.
The awards were independently evaluated by Avance Insights Pvt. Ltd., using parameters including customer feedback, innovation, business impact, digital presence, factual surveys and desk research to determine winners.
As artificial intelligence, premiumisation, sustainability and data-driven operations increasingly influence India’s food service industry, the awards underscored how digital transformation is redefining hospitality. From established restaurant chains to cloud kitchens and technology partners, the event highlighted the businesses shaping the next phase of India’s online dining economy.