Masque in Mumbai has been awarded the Art of Hospitality Award 2026, a pre-announced honor ahead of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 ceremony on 25 March in Hong Kong.
Voted by more than 350 members of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, the accolade recognizes the establishment judged to have delivered Asia’s most exceptional hospitality experience over the past 18 months.
Founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Aditi Dugar, Masque has emerged as a defining voice in modern Indian gastronomy. Set inside a converted textile mill, the restaurant is known for immersive tasting menus that reinterpret regional traditions through seasonal, locally sourced and foraged ingredients, creating a dining format that balances narrative, technique and guest interaction.
A spokesperson for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants said the award acknowledges how Masque has built “a complete ecosystem of hospitality around modern Indian gastronomy,” citing the team’s nationwide sourcing efforts, experimental approach to food and cocktails and ability to create intimate, interactive dining moments.
Responding to the win, Dugar described the recognition as a milestone in Masque’s tenth year: “It feels incredible to bring home this award. It reaffirms what we’ve been trying to achieve since Masque opened its doors – to treat every guest with care, generosity and humility. This recognition belongs to the team, whose commitment and rigor drive everything we do.”
Under head chef Varun Totlani, the kitchen travels extensively across India to uncover hyperlocal produce, while the Masque Lab R&D space functions as both a development hub and a 14-seat private dining venue. The approach produces a menu that moves fluidly between heritage and innovation, supported by a cocktail program designed around seasonal pairings.
Masque joins a notable list of past recipients including Toyo Eatery in Manila, Nusara in Bangkok and Zén in Singapore, underscoring the growing role of experiential hospitality in shaping Asia’s evolving fine-dining landscape