Food
Most Followed Indian Food Influencers on Instagram Serving Delicious Content
In an age where culinary trends are constantly evolving, food influencers have become the modern-day architects of taste, wielding immense power to shape dining habits and elevate dining experiences. With their keen eye for aesthetics, a passion for new flavors, and a knack for storytelling, they captivate millions, influencing everything from what’s trending on restaurant menus to what’s gracing home kitchens. Their ability to create authentic, engaging content allows them to cultivate a loyal following, turning casual food enthusiasts into passionate advocates.
Food isn’t just about taste but also about connection, food influencers play a central role in bridging the gap between what’s on our plates and the cultural narratives that surround it. Through their posts, videos, and stories, they make food not just something to consume but an experience to share, savor, and celebrate. In essence, food influencers are not just content creators; they’re tastemakers, trendsetters, and, in many cases, food advocates who help drive change in the culinary world.
As George Bernard Shaw has famously said, “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” Here are the five most followed Indian food influencers who are championing the love of food:
Pooja Dhingra
Pooja Dhingra, born in 1986, is a distinguished Indian pastry chef and astute businesswoman who has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s modern dessert landscape. Dhingra grew up in a family steeped in culinary tradition, with her father and brother deeply rooted in the restaurant industry. She attended the Bombay Scottish School in Mumbai and, early on, discovered the art of baking under the mentorship of her aunt. Pooja began her journey in law school in Mumbai but chose to leave in 2004. She opted to follow her passion for hospitality and management at the prestigious César Ritz school in Switzerland. She subsequently refined her abilities at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. At Pierre Hermé’s patisseries, she first encountered the macaron—a pivotal moment that would influence her future career.
Her entrepreneurial journey took flight when she returned to Mumbai in 2010 and opened her first store, driven by a clear vision: to bring the artistry of Parisian desserts to India. In 2016, she expanded her business by opening Le15 Café in South Mumbai. Both culinary and business circles have widely recognized her success, earning her spots on Forbes India’s ’30 Under 30′ and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia lists in 2014. She is admired not just for her culinary expertise but also for her role as a dynamic entrepreneur and an inspiring leader for women.
Dhingra’s influence extends beyond the bakery. Over seven million people follow her on Instagram. Her Instagram page is a delightful haven of indulgence. In 2024, the Culinary Culture Food Superstars event once again recognized Dhingra as one of India’s Top 30 Chefs, marking the third consecutive year of receiving this accolade. She was honoured with the Women of Worth Award, by Forbes India x Loreal Paris, very recently.
Pooja Dhingra on Instagram: @poojadhingra
Shipra Khanna
Shipra Khanna is a well-known Indian chef, TV personality, author, and restaurateur. She gained fame after winning the second season of MasterChef India back in 2012. Educated at Loreto Convent and St. Bede’s, she has worked with Michelin-starred chefs and local culinary experts across more than 50 countries. Regarded as the wealthiest and most successful MasterChef winner worldwide, Shipra has become a prominent figure in the culinary world. In the years following her triumph, Shipra opened The Darzi Bar & Kitchen in New Delhi (2017) and H.O.T.—House of Taste in Ahmedabad (2013).
She’s hosted cooking shows in India and around the world, really cementing her status as a celebrity chef. She has made a mark on the culinary scene worldwide, picking up titles like Cultural Ambassador of India in 2022 and Culinary Ambassador to Spain in 2017.
Shipra is also an accomplished author. Her books The Spice Route and Sinfully Yours received international acclaim. During the 2017 World Gourmet Cookbook Awards, Sinfully Yours took home the Best Television Chef Book Outside Europe title. A passionate advocate for social causes, she supports initiatives related to gender equality and malnutrition. The SCWEC/SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneurs Council awarded her the title of “Women Chef Taking Taste Beyond Borders,” and Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, recognized her. Shipra became the first Indian celebrity chef to win the Cannes Festival’s coveted Celebrity Chef Influencer Award in 2023.
Shipra Khanna on Instagram: @masterchefshiprakhanna
Ranveer Brar
Ranveer Brar is a renowned Indian chef, celebrated for his expertise in modernizing and preserving traditional Indian cuisine. Born on February 8, 1978, in Lucknow, India, to a Sikh family, Brar’s early fascination with food, particularly local kebab vendors, led him to pursue a culinary career despite initial resistance. He did his schooling at HAL School Lucknow. He studied at the Institute of Hotel Management in Lucknow and began his professional journey in prestigious kitchens, including the Taj Group and the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi.
His career took him abroad, with stints in Boston and Dubai, where he blended global flavors with Indian culinary traditions. Brar’s charisma and culinary skills made him a natural television personality. He has hosted popular food shows like Ranveer’s Cafe and The Great Indian Rasoi and appeared as a judge on MasterChef India. Through these platforms, he not only showcases recipes but also educates audiences about the history and culture behind Indian dishes, making Indian cuisine more accessible to a global audience.
In addition to his television career, Brar has become a social media sensation with his channels, where he shares cooking tips, food stories, and simplified recipes. His innovative approach to blending regional Indian ingredients with global cooking techniques has earned him numerous awards and recognition, making him both a celebrity chef and a culinary ambassador for India. Among the multitude of food influencers in India, Ranveer Brar stands out and has made a name for himself both in India and internationally.
Ranveer Brar on Instagram: @ranveer.brar
Kunal Kapur
Kapur was born into a Punjabi household in New Delhi. Following his studies at St. Francis de Sales School, he went on to the Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition in Chandigarh to further his hotel management education. His father and grandfather nurtured his passion for cooking through lessons. His career trajectory is impressive, starting with the Taj Group of Hotels. In 2008, India Today rated him as “The Best Indian Chef” in New Delhi, a major milestone that solidified his status in the culinary world. His ability to blend traditional Indian flavors with contemporary methods is evident in his work. He has worked as Executive Sous Chef at the Leela Kempinski in Gurgaon.
He’s also been an advocate for social causes, particularly through his work with underprivileged youth. His collaboration with United Ways Delhi to help train unemployed individuals and support them in launching their food businesses is commendable and speaks to his desire to give back to society. His restaurant, Quarter Plate, offers a glimpse of his unique culinary vision, combining sophistication with the essence of Indian cuisine. The name suggests a modern take on traditional dining, and the concept of offering refined yet approachable dishes resonates with food lovers who appreciate the nuances of Indian flavors and the art of presentation.
Additionally, Kunal’s passion for diverse interests like automobiles, technology, travel, fashion, and history adds to his multidimensional personality, making him not just a chef but a well-rounded public figure with a broad worldview. His role in cooking for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and 42 first ladies at the India-Africa Summit further highlights the recognition he commands on the global culinary stage. The recipes on his feed are a food paradise for homecooks and foodies alike.
Kunal Kapur on Instagram: @chefkunal
Shivesh Bhatia
Shivesh Bhatia graduated from the Sardar Patel Vidyalaya in 2014. He went on to study political science at Hindu College in Delhi University. He began baking when he was in class eleven. The Indian baker, food stylist, and dessert blogger is known for his expertise in baking, particularly cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. Bhatia has gained a significant following on social media platforms like Instagram for his easy-to-follow recipes and creative dessert styling. He focuses on creating professional-looking treats with a simple, creative approach, making it easier for beginners. Additionally, he collaborates with food and lifestyle brands to promote products and ingredients through his content.
He began uploading photos of his cakes on Instagram and received a positive response. This inspired him to experiment more and improve his styling and food photography. He began blogging in December 2014, nearly forced by his Instagram pals. After nearly a year of blogging, he decided to transition from a blog to his website. While the style has changed, the concept of making simple yet beautiful dishes remains at the heart of Bake With Shivesh.
In 2016, he received the Outlook Social Media award, and Vogue featured him in their lists of “20 Under 26” in 2017 and “30 Under 30” in 2023. He received the Best Dessert Blog and the Social Media Star of the Year award in 2017 from CondeNast Traveler India. In the same year, Better Homes and Gardens named Bake With Shivesh the best dessert blog. His accolades include Best Food Feed of the Year from the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards in 2019, 2021, and 2022, and Best Instagrammer of the Year.
Shivesh Bhatia on Instagram: @shivesh17
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Follow these food influencers for some delicious content!