Vir Sanghvi to declare Kerala’s finest dining spots at Golden Clove Awards on April 11

Food lovers, get ready! The Manorama Online ‘Golden Clove Food Awards 2026’ is only hours away, with the ceremony set for April 11 at the KTDC Waterscapes Resort, Kumarakom.

This year, Kerala’s finest hotels and restaurants will be unveiled on stage by none other than Vir Sanghvi. As one of India’s top food critics and media personalities, his presence is set to catapult the Golden Clove Awards into national spotlight. Melam Masala is the main sponsor of the awards, with Kerafed joining as co-sponsor.

Vir Sanghvi, bard of culinary writing
Vir Sanghvi, co-founder and chairman of Culinary Culture, is India’s ultimate authority on all things food. Born in London and educated at Oxford, he became editor of Bombay Magazine at just 22, setting a record as the youngest editor in the history of Indian journalism. He has also served as editor of ABP Group’s Sunday Magazine and the Hindustan Times. On television, he has hosted popular programmes on channels such as Doordarshan, Star Network, CNN-IBN and NDTV, covering everything from news and politics to lifestyle.

While being celebrated as a television host and media personality, it is his unfettered passion for food and his insightful writings that have earned Vir Sanghvi international acclaim. He has authored numerous acclaimed books, including Mandate, Men of Steel, Game Changers, Zesty Indian Pantry, Rude Food, and A Rude Life. His book Rude Food won an international award for the world’s best food literature.

At HT Brunch, his weekly column of the same name reaches more readers than any other food column in India, both in print and online. Few can match the depth of knowledge and sharp insight he brings to every piece he writes.

Best eateries go head to head for glory
This year, over 3,000 eateries with exceptional flavours and stunning settings competed for the Golden Clove Awards, which divides Kerala into different culinary zones. From this large pool, 24 restaurants, chosen through public voting, have made it to the final round. The awards celebrate a rich spectrum of culinary excellence, from traditional Kerala dishes to world-class modern cuisines, with restaurants competing across multiple categories.