Masque has been named the recipient of the Art of Hospitality Award 2026, an accolade presented ahead of the annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony. The award is one of several honours announced in advance of the list and recognises restaurants that have demonstrated outstanding hospitality over the past 18 months.
Located in Mumbai and founded in 2016 by Aditi Dugar, Masque has established itself as a leading voice in modern Indian dining. The restaurant operates from a restored textile mill and offers a 10-course tasting menu that draws on regional Indian ingredients, contemporary techniques, and close collaboration between the kitchen and service teams.
The Art of Hospitality Award highlights restaurants where service, care, and guest experience are integral to the overall identity. According to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Masque was selected for its ability to create an immersive and thoughtful dining environment, supported by deep ingredient knowledge, precision, and a strong sense of place.
Accepting the award, Dugar said: “Hospitality, to us, has always been about care — care for the ingredient, care for the craft, and most importantly, care for the people who walk through our doors. This award belongs to the entire Masque team, whose commitment, humility, and consistency make the experience what it is.”
The recognition coincides with Masque’s tenth year of operation, marking a significant milestone for the restaurant and its team. Dugar noted that the award reflects a collective effort rather than individual achievement, underscoring the role of consistency and shared values in shaping the guest experience.
The kitchen at Masque is led by Head Chef Varun Totlani, whose approach is rooted in extensive research and sourcing across India. The team regularly travels to different regions—from Kashmir to Goa—to work with farmers, foragers, and producers. This process feeds into menu development through Masque Lab, the restaurant’s research and development kitchen, which also functions as an intimate private dining space for up to 14 guests.
Masque offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus, presenting contemporary interpretations of Indian flavours and techniques. Dishes evolve seasonally and often incorporate lesser-known regional ingredients, while the cocktail programme mirrors the kitchen’s experimental approach through the use of local produce and tailored techniques designed to complement the menu.
The Art of Hospitality Award is the second of three special awards announced ahead of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. Previous recipients include Toyo Eatery in Manila, Nusara in Bangkok, and Zén in Singapore. The full Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list will be revealed at the awards ceremony in Hong Kong on 25 March 2026.
Masquee Restaurant
Masque, Unit G3, Shree Laxmi Woollen Mills, Shakti Mills Ln, off Doctor Elijah Moses Road, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018, India
