Annapurna Certificate

The “Annapurna Certificate” was instituted by the Indian Council Cultural Relations (ICCR) to recognize and honour restaurants operating abroad that have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of authentic Indian cuisine and culinary traditions in foreign countries. This Certificate serves as a symbol of appreciation for the significant role these restaurants play in introducing Indian gastronomy to local communities abroad and enhancing cultural exchange.

 

General Terms and Conditions

1. There shall be one Certificate for the winner. In case of more than one winner, each will be issued a separate certificate. Along with the Certificate, the winner will also be given a Plaque.

2. Restaurants operating abroad shall be eligible for the Certificate. The restaurants should have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of authentic Indian Cuisine, among local community members.

3. The restaurant should have been in operation for at least five years.

4. The Competition is open to all Indian restaurants abroad (fine dining or all day dining) regardless of nationality of the owner. An association or organization shall not be eligible for participation.

5. The restaurant must follow a high level of compliance with the food hygiene and safety norms and local rules and regulations.

6. Eligible Restaurants shall submit their application in the duly filled in prescribed form to the Indian Mission/Post within the time limit prescribed for the purpose. Indian Missions abroad after due scrutiny and evaluation of the information provided by the applicant restaurants will forward the best applications to ICCR by the prescribed last date.

7. The final selection for the Certificate shall be made by a Jury to be appointed by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for this purpose.

8. However, if in the opinion of competent authority of ICCR, a prior scrutiny of the applications received is required, a scrutinizing committee to be appointed by ICCR shall review the applications and submit scrutinized applications for consideration of Jury.

9. The Certificate will be given on an annual basis.

Application form of 2024: Link (Download)

 

Annapurna Certificates for the year 2023 were distributed at Kamal Mahal, ITC Maurya, New Delhi on 12th December 2023 to the six selected restaurants. These certificates have been presented by Chief Guest, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, Hon’ble Minister of State of External Affairs and Culture and Guest of Honour, Smt. Hema Malini, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha.

 

The following restaurants have been awarded for Annapurna Certificate for the year 2023:-

 

1. 1. Amber India Restaurant from USA: Amber India Restaurant has been balancing traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary atmosphere for the past 25 years.

 

2. 2. Balaji Dosai from Sri Lanka: Balaji Dosai is a unique concept restaurant in the heart of Kandy. This Indian restaurant has been in operation for 10 years, serving both South and North Indian cuisine to locals and tourists.

 

3. 3. Indian Street Food & Co. from Sweden: Indian Street Food & Co creates a modern Indian cuisine inspired by food vendors in the streets of India.

 

4. 4. Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant from Oman: Mumtaz Mahal is one of the oldest fine-dining restaurants in Muscat, serving North Indian food since 1984.

 

5. 5. Namaste, Indian Restaurant from Mongolia: This restaurant serves North Indian, Mughlai, and Punjabi food. Its chefs hail from various regions of India, each bringing with them the rich and authentic flavors of their hometowns.

 

6. 6. Naans and Curries, An Ethnic Indian Restaurant from Costa Rica: Naans & Curries encompasses dining experiences that stimulate and interact with five senses, serving the Indian foods.