The prestigious Exemplary Leader Award at the Asia Leadership Award 2026 was given to Debaditya Chaudhury, Director of Chowman, Oudh 1590, Chapter 2 & Chaudhury & Co., in Bangalore. This honor recognizes his leadership and entrepreneurial vision in creating one of India’s fastest-growing restaurant chains and contributing to the nation’s changing restaurant and hospitality industry.

The group of brands, which includes Chowman, Oudh 1590, Chapter 2, and Chaudhury & Co., has expanded to more than 62 locations throughout India under Debaditya’s direction. Chowman alone has more than 41 locations in Kolkata, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai. Chowman has become one of the fastest-growing Chinese restaurant chains in India, growing quickly outside of its Kolkata origins and making a significant impact in a number of major cities.

Debaditya Chaudhury said, “I am incredibly honored to be given the Exemplary Leader Award. My team as a whole deserves this recognition just as much as I do. It has been an exciting journey to cross more than 62 outlets as a group, but we see this as just the beginning. Our goal for Chowman is to have 100 locations by 2030. Great food, consistent quality, memorable customer experiences, and strong teams will continue to be our top priorities as we grow. For us, growth is more than just numbers; it’s about creating enduring brands”.

With a clear goal of bringing Chowman to 100 locations by 2030, Debaditya is concentrating on speeding up national expansion in the future while continuing to grow Oudh 1590 and Chapter 2 into new markets.

One of the key turning points in this growth process has been Chowman’s expansion. The domestic Pan-Asian brand, which started out in Kolkata, has gradually spread throughout major cities, becoming well-known in Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai. While investigating new cities, formats, and opportunities, Chowman keeps bolstering its position in current markets. The brand’s quick growth has made it one of India’s fastest-growing restaurant chains, introducing its distinctive Pan-Asian food and Kolkata-based culinary culture to a growing number of people across the country.

Priyanka Dutta