In a landmark moment for Parsi culinary heritage, author and food historian Niloufer Mavalvala was crowned at the 30^th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, during the World Food Summit, in Cascais, Portugal. Mavalvala’s deep-dive into Parsi cuisine garnered two of the summit’s highest honors, spotlighting a community cuisine often overlooked on the global stage.

On 20^th June, 2025, she was awarded ‘Best Series in the World’ for ‘The Route to Parsi Cooking’, lauded for its meticulous research and rich illustrations, tracing Parsi recipes from ancient Persia to modern India and the diaspora. “This collection is a significant contribution to preserving and celebrating Parsi culinary heritage,” praised Edouard Cointreau, founder of the Gourmand Awards.

The following day, Mavalvala claimed the rare ‘Best of the Best – Food Culture in 30 Years’ award for ‘The World of Parsi Cooking: Food Across Borders’. The jury celebrated the work as “a bridge between generations, cultures, and communities,” commending its blend of tradition, curiosity, and heartfelt storytelling. Adding a diplomatic flourish, Canada’s Ambassador to Portugal, Her Excellency Elise Racicot, attended specifically to honor Mavalvala’s presentation.

Reflecting on her dual wins, Niloufer Mavalvala described the experience as, “a huge step in the right direction for Parsi food culture and cuisine. The recognition that we exist, and that our culinary heritage matters, is truly heartwarming.”

Chef and author Niloufer Mavalvala champions ancient Parsi cuisine with infectious passion. Inspired by her mother and aunt, she mastered soulful, nuanced cooking amid Karachi’s vibrant kitchens. Niloufer’s global odyssey – from Dubai to London to Toronto – has enriched her culinary palette and deepened her love for cross-cultural exchange. A gifted teacher, she opens her kitchen to seekers from every background, convinced that breaking bread unites hearts. Through immersive workshops, evocative writing, and captivating storytelling, Niloufer breathes fresh life into Parsi traditions, inviting food lovers everywhere to savor heritage flavors, learn ancestral techniques, and join her joyous celebration of global community and culture. We heartily congratulate Niloufer Mavalvala on her achievements which continue making the worldwide community proud!