Vikas Khanna’s newest restaurant, Bungalow, in New York City has been honored with the Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award, recognizing establishments that offer high-quality food at a great value. In addition to this prestigious recognition, Bungalow has also been listed among The New York Times’ ‘Best 14 Restaurants’ of 2024 in the city.
A Tribute to Family and Culinary Excellence
Bungalow opened its doors on March 28, 2024, a date chosen to commemorate what would have been the 50th birthday of Khanna’s late sister, Radhika Khanna. She passed away on February 28, 2022, at the age of 48 due to multiple organ failure after battling Lupus, renal failure, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), a rare disease causing tiny blood clots in small blood vessels.
Michelin Guide’s Praise for Bungalow
According to the Michelin Guide, Khanna has “struck out on his own” with Bungalow, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere featuring pale pink walls, colorful murals, and a bar adorned with intricately carved panels. The guide notes that while reservations may be hard to secure, diners are rewarded with contemporary Indian cuisine showcasing the diverse culinary traditions of India’s 28 states. Guests are encouraged to start with unique cocktails before indulging in the chef’s masterfully crafted dishes.
The New York Times’ Acclaim
Food critic Priya Krishna of The New York Times lauded Khanna for bringing playfulness and creativity to regional Indian cuisine, reflecting the evolution of Indian dining in the United States. She describes Khanna as “anything but a distant celebrity chef,” highlighting his personal interactions with guests in a dining room that exudes the warmth of a family home.
A Legacy of Culinary Achievements
Khanna, one of the first Indian chefs to receive international acclaim, launched his first restaurant, Junoon, in New York City in 2010. The establishment received its first Michelin star the following year and continued to earn accolades. Over the years, Khanna has cooked for world leaders, including Barack Obama, the Dalai Lama, Pope Francis, and Narendra Modi.
Beyond his restaurant ventures, Khanna is a goodwill ambassador for the Smile Foundation, supporting efforts to combat malnutrition in India. During India’s COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, he initiated the Feed India movement, which provided food to millions in need.
A Multifaceted Career
Khanna’s influence extends beyond the kitchen. In 2015, he launched his book, “Utsav: A Culinary Epic of Indian Festivals,” at the Cannes Film Festival. He also directed the documentary “Kitchens of Gratitude” and produced the series “Holy Kitchens,” which explores the connection between faith and food. His latest book, “Barkat,” recounts his journey from Amritsar to global culinary stardom.
In 2020, Khanna made his directorial debut with The Last Color, a poignant film set in Varanasi, starring Neena Gupta as a widow who forms a special bond with a young, homeless girl. He later directed “Barefoot Empress,” a documentary about a 96-year-old woman in Kerala who pursued her dream of education.
Most recently, he served as the executive producer of the Oscar-qualified animated short “American Sikh,” which tells the true story of Vishavjit Singh, an American-born, turban-wearing Sikh who transforms into a superhero to combat prejudice and self-doubt.
From his culinary triumphs to his humanitarian efforts and cinematic storytelling, Vikas Khanna continues to redefine Indian cuisine and inspire audiences worldwide.
