Las Vegas, NV: In a glittering ceremony at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Avtar Singh Walia, renowned for his transformative impact on Indian cuisine in America, was honored as a Top Restaurant Owner of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP).
In addition, Tamarind Tribeca, owned by Avtar Singh Walia, was chosen as Top Restaurant of the Year for 2025 by IAOTP.
The annual gala in December 2025, which brought together global industry leaders, celebrated Mr. Walia’s decades-long dedication, vision, and leadership in the culinary world. “It was truly humbling for me and my beloved Restaurant, Tamarind to be chosen as the top in the world from among the hundreds that were considered for this great honor,” said Mr. Walia. “I want to thank the International Association of Top Professionals for bestowing this honor on me and Tamarind. The honor is a testament to Indian cuisine going mainstream across the globe.”
The President of the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), Stephanie Cirami, stated: “Choosing Mr. Walia for this honor was an easy decision for our panel to make. He is inspirational, influential, and a true visionary and thought leader. We cannot wait to meet him and celebrate his accomplishments at this year’s gala.”
Walia’s journey began in the late 1970s after immigrating from Punjab, India. Starting as a warehouse manager for Gucci and later working at New York’s Tandoor restaurant, he quickly discovered his true passion lay in the world of food. His first major role in hospitality came at Akbar restaurant on Park Avenue, where, as manager, he cultivated his dream of opening a fine dining establishment that would showcase the flavors and elegance of Indian cuisine.
That dream came to fruition in 1986 when he co-founded Dawat, partnering with celebrity chef Madhur Jaffrey. Dawat quickly gained a reputation for introducing New Yorkers to a refined, authentic take on Indian food.
Walia’s commitment to excellence and authenticity led him to open Tamarind on East 22nd Street in the Flatiron District in 2001, this time as the sole proprietor. Working alongside acclaimed chefs like Raj Jallepalli and Durga Prasad, he elevated the restaurant to Michelin-star status, a first for Indian cuisine in New York City.
In 2010, Walia launched Tamarind Tribeca at 99 Hudson Street, a sprawling 11,000-square-foot institution that has become synonymous with luxury, hospitality, and world-class Indian dining.
Under his guidance, Tamarind Tribeca earned Michelin stars in 2013 and 2014, cementing its status as one of New York’s premier culinary destinations.
Tamarind Tribeca, formally known as the Tamarind, a Michelin–starred fine dining restaurant, was located in the Flatiron Section of Manhattan. The new Tamarind in Tribeca is synonymous with exceptionally well crafted Indian fine dining. Carefully set up by Avtar Walia, the restaurant aims to amalgamate the mysteries and joys of the flavors from the India sub-continent with the elan and panache of Tribeca, New York.
