A Michelin-starred celebrity chef, a successful restaurateur, and most importantly, a humble human being, Chef Vikas Khanna is all this and more! His unwavering love for Indian food has made him soar to such heights that people often forget about the struggle he had to put in to reach there. Well, the man remembers, and as he completes 25 years in New York City, he has penned an emotional note about his journey.
Chef Vikas Khanna Talks About His Journey In New York City
In a heartfelt note, Chef Vikas Khanna talked about his incredible journey in the USA. He posted a picture with an endearing smile, carrying a basket full of fruits and vegetables, and a caption, “It’s hard to believe—it’s been almost 25 years since I first set foot in New York City.”
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He gave people an insight into his struggles during his initial years in the city and shared how he used to clean homes, cook at strangers’ kitchens, hand out flyers, work as a delivery boy, and even sell food on the streets. From those tough days to “helping define the zenith of Indian cuisine in America”, he has come a long way!
He thanked his mother for her “unwavering faith in a nervous boy with wooden shoes and braces on his legs.” According to Chef Vikas Khanna, nothing would have been possible without his mother’s belief and faith in him.
Also Read: Chef Vikas Khanna Named Person Of The Year 2025 By Harvard SAA For Culinary Excellence
When A Guest From The Past Recognised The Celebrated Chef
Chef Khanna also shared a deeply personal moment that happened at his famous New York restaurant, Bungalow. In the Instagram post, he shared, “A guest recognised me from decades ago. I used to clean her aunt’s apartment on 40 Harrison Street in Tribeca.”
Vikas Khanna, happy with the encounter, stopped and spoke to her for some time. He revealed that when the guest’s aunt read about him cooking for then-President Barack Obama, she called every relative she could reach and shared about the moment with pride! He finally added, “Her aunt is no longer with us, but her memory lives on in my heart. Precious, glowing, eternal.”
Chef Vikas Khanna was recently honoured as Person of the Year by Harvard University’s South Asian Association, and we can’t think of a better candidate for this honour!
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/vikaskhannagroup
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