Telugu Chef Kanthi Kiran named finalist for ‘Chef of the Year’ at BIH Spotlight Awards 2026

Hyderabad: UK-based Telugu chef and entrepreneur Kanthi Kiran Thamma, Chef and Director of The Spice Circuit Ltd., Brighton, has been named a finalist in the Chef of the Year category at the BIH Spotlight Awards 2026.

The finalists were selected from more than 3,000 nominations as part of the awards programme recognising individuals and businesses across the UK hospitality industry. The BIH Spotlight Awards focus on talent and businesses from ethnic minority communities within the hospitality sector.

The winners are scheduled to be announced at an awards ceremony on October 12, 2026, at Quaglino’s in London. The event is expected to bring together chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals from across the UK and Ireland.

Born in Guntur and raised in Hyderabad, Thamma has been based in Brighton, UK, where he has worked in the culinary and hospitality sector for more than 12 years. His work has included promoting South Indian and Telugu cuisine through guest-chef appearances and culinary initiatives in countries including Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Italy and the United States.

He has also worked on food and beverage projects, including a collaboration with a local distillery to develop The Spice Circuit Gin, which received a Great Taste Award star.

Thamma’s culinary work has also been associated with a Michelin Bib Gourmand and recognition in UK restaurant listings, according to the information provided by the organisers. His work has included food and culture tours focused on South India and Sri Lanka. The tours have been featured by The New York Times, according to the release.

The 2026 nomination comes as the BIH Spotlight Awards enter their fifth year. The awards have previously brought together hospitality professionals from the UK and Ireland and recognised individuals and businesses across the sector. The Chef of the Year category will be decided at the October ceremony, with Thamma among the finalists competing for the award.

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Arti Adke

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Arti Adke, hailing from a respectable family with strong principles, pursued her passion for journalism. She is a Senior Sub-Editor and Senior Reporter, leading the Education and Food pages. Arti's journey in our organization continues to thrive as she strives for journalistic excellence.

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