Mirelle Pingfu, the General Manager at Masque, won the F&B Professional of the Year award at the NDTV Food Awards 2026 [1].

The recognition highlights the critical role of operational leadership in the high-end culinary sector, emphasizing that guest experience is as vital as the food itself.

Celebrity Chef Kunal Kapur and NDTV CEO Rahul Kanwal presented the award to Pingfu during the ceremony [1]. The honor recognizes her professional expertise and the dedication she brought to her role in Mumbai [2].

According to the award criteria, Pingfu was selected for her leadership in shaping the hospitality standards at Masque [1]. Her contributions specifically focused on the development of the restaurant's celebrated guest experience [2].

The NDTV Food Awards 2026 [1] served as a platform to honor various culinary stars across India. By awarding the F&B Professional of the Year, the organization acknowledged the management and service infrastructure that supports world-class dining.

Masque has established itself as a significant player in the Indian gastronomic scene. Pingfu's role as General Manager involves overseeing the complex intersection of service, staff management, and client satisfaction, elements that define the operational success of a luxury establishment [2].

The event underscores a growing trend in the industry to recognize the "front of house" and administrative leadership alongside the chefs who create the menus. This shift acknowledges that the sustainability of a top-tier restaurant depends on professional management as much as culinary creativity [3].

“Mirelle Pingfu won the F&B Professional of the Year award at the NDTV Food Awards 2026.”

The recognition of a General Manager at a major national food award signals a shift in how the culinary industry defines success. By elevating a professional focused on hospitality and operations to the same level as chefs, the industry acknowledges that the 'guest experience' is a professional discipline requiring specific leadership expertise, rather than just a byproduct of good cooking.