Time Titan

Padma Lakshmi awarded a spot on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023

The award-winning host of Top Chef was acknowledged by TIME magazine for her work producing cookbooks and television shows and as an activ ist for civil rights and women’s health. Lakshmi, who was born in Chennai, India, suffered a car accident at the age of 14, which injured her hip and shoulder before she went on to become a model, television star, and Top Chef contestant. Her tribute in the magazine was written by Ali Wong, an actress and comedian. She wrote: “Padma is an incredible writer, and that really shines through when she speaks. She’s articulate and has a strong point of view. When I was a guest judge on Top Chef, I was shocked by how honest and unafraid she was of being disliked. She’s brave in that way. I’m always in awe of Padma because, yes, she really is that beautiful, talented, and charismatic. She’s iconic.”

Worth the Trip

The five best Indian restaurants in this year’s top food and drink travel destinations

By Maureen Petrosky

The world is back open for travel and culinary destinations are making every top ten list. From Japan to Paris and on to Dublin and Australia, travelers are always seeking good eats. Lucky for us, amazing Indian restaurants polka dot the globe.

Foodies with wanderlust look no further. While this year’s top travel destinations include luxury hotels and world-class museums they also include some of the best Indian cuisine on the planet. So pack your bags and come hungry—here’s our list of Indian restaurants definitely worth the trip.

London, United Kingdom

Dishoom

With so many amazing spots to choose from for stellar Indian cuisine in London, it’s hard to choose just one. From the Michelin-starred Chutney Mary’s to Amaya and Kahani there’s a plethora of high-end dining experiences. Or head to Drummond Street, considered “Little India” for your pick of authentic South Asian food choices. But Dishoom in either Kings Cross or Covent Garden never disappoints.

5 Stable St, London N1C 4AB, United Kingdom

Paris, France

New Jawad Longchamp

Like London, Paris is brimming with all sorts of Indian Cuisine and much of it is drool-worthy. But for Pakistani-inspired cuisine in a jewel box setting check out New Jawad Longchamp. Close to the Eiffel Tower, this makes for an easy spot to stop and indulge in more Paris culinary magic.

30 rue de Longchamp, 75116 Paris France

Dublin, Ireland

Pickle

Irish cuisine has come a long way from meat and potatoes and highly esteemed Chef Sunhil Guy is proving it. He and his team are dazzling diners with a mash-up of local Irish produce and Northern India spices for a meal you won’t soon forget. Pickle is not far from St. Stephen’s Green in the Portobello neighborhood and lives up to, if not exceeds, the hype.

43 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 N998

Melbourne, Australia

Horn Please

The southern state of Victoria has become a food and wine lover’s destination. With a hot springs resort and world-class wine, and yes amazing Indian cuisine to boot, Melbourne

Tokyo, Japan

Downtown B’s

Don’t let the size fool you. This tiny dining room has hosted celebrities and locals alike. Serving up delicious homecooked Indian food with a heavy helping of hospitality.

3-4-2 Roppongi , Copu- Nomura -Roppongi 1 Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan makes our list. There are endless options for curry ranging from expensive to takeaway, but Horn Please is our pick for any traveler. Solo or with your family you will be delighted at the bold interior design serving up Holi feels and fabulous food that has earned a cult following.

167 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North, 3068 VIC