My Thali: A Simple Indian Kitchen, by Joe Thottungal with Anne DesBrisay was named Best of the Best – Indian Food Culture during the Gourmand Awards in November 2025.

The announcement was made at the Saudi Feast Food Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by Edouard Cointreau of the Gourmand Awards, who praised the work for its depth and cultural significance:

Thank you for this beautiful celebration of South Indian cuisine and the timeless tradition of the thali. Through Joe’s heartfelt recipes and stories from Kerala, paired with Anne’s insightful storytelling, My Thali invites us to experience the harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that make every meal a feast on a plate. This book is a loving tribute to heritage, home cooking, and the joy of sharing simple yet extraordinary meals that connect past and present.

My Thali previously received the 2023 Gourmand World Cookbook Award in the India Category and the 2024 Gold Taste Canada Award in the Regional/Cultural Category.

Founded in 1995, and with participation from over 200 countries, the Gourmand Awards are the only international competition dedicated to publications on food and drinks cultures.

Congratulations, Joe and Anne!