Kozhikode’s beloved Paragon Restaurant has clinched the prestigious Golden Clove Five Star Restaurant award at the Manorama Online Golden Clove Food Awards 2026, reaffirming its status as a culinary powerhouse. Held at KTDC Waterscapes Resort in Kumarakom on April 11, the event celebrated Kerala’s finest eateries, with noted food critic Vir Sanghvi presenting the honors. This win marks another milestone for Paragon, synonymous with aromatic biryani and timeless Malabar flavors.
Legacy of Flavor: From Humble Bakery to Global Icon
Paragon’s story began in 1939 as the Paragon Baking Company, founded by Govindan Panicker in Kozhikode. His son P M Vatsan expanded it, but by 1988-89, the business teetered on collapse amid setbacks. Enter Sumesh Govind, Vatsan’s son, who revitalized it with a focus on authentic biryani innovation while prioritizing employee welfare rare in Kerala then with modern staff facilities. Today, the Paragon Group spans Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, and Dubai, employing over 3,000 and boasting Rs. 225 crore annual turnover. Brands like M Grill, Salkara, and Brown Town Bakery complement its empire, drawing queues of locals and celebrities alike.
The Glamorous Golden Clove Awards Ceremony
The 2026 edition spotlighted Kerala’s diverse food scene across five regions, with over 3,000 eateries competing through public voting and expert evaluations on taste, ambience, hospitality, menu variety, and service. 1947 Indian Restaurant in Kochi took ‘Restaurant of the Year,’ while Paragon topped the Five Star category alongside Olan (Wayanad), Karthiyayini (Kochi), Achayan’s Heritage (Changanacherry), and St. George Gourmet (Kozhencherry). Other highlights included Kuttichira Biryani Centre’s Best Biryani win and Zaitoon’s Multi-Cuisine Excellence. Powered by Melam Masala and co-sponsored by Kerafed, the night featured a panel with Sumesh Govind, Tsarina Abrao Vacha, and Chef Priya Mary Antony, moderated by Manorama Online CEO Mariam Mammen Mathew. Vir Sanghvi praised Kerala’s cuisine for its diversity and history.
What Makes Paragon’s Biryani Unforgettable?
Paragon’s Malabar biryani layers of fragrant rice, tender meat, and signature spices has earned global acclaim, featuring on Taste Atlas lists and wooing stars, authors, and leaders. Rooted in Kozhikode’s culinary heritage, it embodies purity symbolized by the clove (laung), inspiring the awards’ name. Patrons rave about the warmth of Suleimani tea post-meal, making it a “second home” for many. This repeat success (following 2025 wins) underscores consistency amid expansion.
Paragon’s Impact on Kozhikode’s Food Culture
As a Kozhikode staple for 86+ years, Paragon elevates the city’s reputation, blending tradition with modernity. It attracts food pilgrims nationwide, boosting local tourism and pride. Wins like this validate its resilience, from near-ruin to South India’s success story. For residents and visitors, it remains the go-to for biryani bliss amid bustling queues.