The Moti Mahal Cookbook Wins
The Moti Mahal Cookbook, written by Monish Gujral and published by Penguin India in 2005, has achieved a prestigious global honor—winning the title of “Best of the Best – India (1995–2025)” at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, marking it as one of the most outstanding cookbooks published in the last 30 years.
This remarkable recognition places the book among the finest culinary publications in the world, underscoring its cultural richness, authenticity, and the deep historical legacy it preserves.
Award Ceremony Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 27 November 2025
The award was officially presented on 27th November 2025 at the Saudi Feast Food Festival 2025, held at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The ceremony was conducted by Mr. Edouard Cointreau, Chairman of the World Cookbook Fair and founder of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. His presence and message added exceptional significance to the moment.
A Heartfelt Tribute from Edouard Cointreau
During the presentation, Mr. Cointreau offered a deeply moving tribute to Monish Gujral’s work and the legendary legacy of Moti Mahal:
“Thank you, Monish, for this magnificent tribute to a culinary legacy that changed the course of Indian cuisine.
With The Moti Mahal Cookbook, you have preserved the iconic recipes, but also honored your legendary grandfather, Kundan Lal Gujral, in the most meaningful way imaginable.
The man who gave the world makhani gravy and butter chicken deserved a grandson who could carry that flame forward with such passion, vision, and pride.
Your work ensures that the magic of Moti Mahal continues to inspire kitchens across the globe—bringing history and flavor to every table it touches.”
27.11. Riyadh v1 – Diplomas BES…
Celebrating the Legacy of Moti Mahal
This award honors not just a cookbook—but nearly a century of culinary innovation started by Kundan Lal Gujral, creator of:
- Tandoori Chicken
- Butter Chicken (Murg Makhani)
- Dal Makhani
- The iconic makhani gravy
Through this cookbook, Monish Gujral has carried forward this legendary flame, ensuring that the timeless flavors of Moti Mahal continue to inspire chefs and food lovers around the world.
The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards – A Global Institution
Founded in 1995, the Gourmand Awards are the world’s most respected recognition for food and drink publications. With participation from 200+ countries, it is the only global competition welcoming books in all languages and formats.
Each year, the awards bring together authors, chefs, publishers, diplomats, and cultural leaders.
In 2025, the celebration in Riyadh attracted guests from 96 countries, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a major global destination for food culture.
A Historic Moment for Indian Culinary Literature
This recognition firmly positions The Moti Mahal Cookbook among the greatest culinary works of the past three decades, further strengthening India’s presence on the world gastronomic map.
It is a proud milestone for Moti Mahal, for Indian cuisine, and for the enduring legacy of the Gujral family.
About Monish Gujral
Monish Lal Gujral is the custodian of the Motimahal global chain of restaurants and the Managing Director of MotiMahal Management Services Pvt. Ltd.
Monish is credited with the trailblazing turn-around of Moti Mahal, from being a small but iconic presence in Delhi, to becoming a multi-national corporation that is well on its way to defining how the world eats Indian food. Mark Manuel (Editor Bombay Times) noted journalist Mark Manuel Editor Bombay times (2009) Wrote “Monish Gujral is one of modern India’s success stories. In my book he is to Delhi and to the rest of India what Rahul Akerkar and Moshe Sheikh are to Bombay : a restaurateur –chef who can cook everything on the menu of his popular chain of Motimahal restaurants , a businessman, a food writer and a gourmet . I know him as a restaurateur and a friend : and , I cannot as yet decide whether I like his food better or his friendship .Probably his friendship, because Motimahal food- its butter chicken, Mata ki daal , roti and kulfi , I can get in 72 cities around India : but not Monish`s genuinely hearty and delightful company .For that , I have to wait till he visits Mumbai.