Celebrity Masterchef judge Vikas Khanna celebrates one year of opening his New York restaurant; writes ‘40+ years of unwavering devotion to Indian cuisine’ – The Times of India

Renowned chef and Celebrity Masterchef judge Vikas Khanna recently marked a significant milestone in his career, celebrating the first anniversary of his New York restaurant, Bungalow. The Michelin-starred chef took to social media to reflect on his journey, expressing gratitude for over 40 years of unwavering devotion to Indian cuisine.
Khanna shared an emotional note, thanking his patrons and well-wishers for their continued support. “Today, Bungalow celebrates its first anniversary. I am deeply grateful to all our guests who have blessed our humble temple with their love, gifts, and heartfelt wishes,” he wrote. The chef also acknowledged the privilege of seeing an Indian restaurant gain recognition as one of the most sought-after dining experiences in the world.

Reflecting on his journey, Khanna recalled the struggles he faced as a young chef. He spoke about how, during his early culinary training, he was advised to focus on continental cuisine and French pastry. However, his grandmother’s words stayed with him: ‘But what will you represent?’ That question became the foundation of his passion for Indian cuisine and storytelling through food.

Khanna has often shared his struggles before achieving success. In a past podcast, he recounted a particularly difficult moment when his business shut down at the age of 29. During the wedding season, he was devastated and blamed himself for an incident where he refused to provide food that had been pre-ordered by guests. His father, however, reassured him, saying, ‘Isse kuch bada hi khulega.’ This faith eventually led Khanna to build an international culinary empire.

With Bungalow completing a year, Vikas Khanna’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering love for Indian cuisine.