Chef Vikas Khanna: A Culinary Journey from Amritsar to New York

If you are a foodie or even slightly interested in food culture, chances are you would know Vikas Khanna, a chef who has made a name for himself and multitudes of Indians aspiring to make a mark in the culinary world.

Vikas Khanna, a Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and humanitarian, has taken the culinary world by storm with his unique approach to cooking and his unwavering commitment to creating innovative dishes that celebrate India's rich cultural heritage. This article ties to unravel the story behind Vikas Khanna.

Career

Born and raised in Amritsar, Punjab, India, Vikas Khanna was exposed to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of India from a young age. He grew up in a family that owned a catering business, which gave him an early taste of the food industry. Khanna's passion for cooking led him to pursue culinary studies at the prestigious Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration in Manipal, India.

After completing his studies, Khanna began his culinary journey working as a trainee chef at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. He then moved to New York City, where he worked his way up the ranks of some of the city's top restaurants, including Le Cirque and Junoon.

In 2011, Khanna opened his own restaurant, Junoon, in New York City's Flatiron district. The restaurant quickly became a critical and commercial success, earning a coveted Michelin star within a year of its opening. Junoon is known for its modern take on Indian cuisine, with dishes that combine traditional Indian spices and flavors with modern cooking techniques and presentation.

In addition to his work as a chef and restaurateur, Vikas Khanna is also an accomplished author, having written more than 30 cookbooks that have been published in over 20 languages. His cookbooks celebrate the diversity of Indian cuisine and showcase the richness of the country's culinary traditions.

But Chef Khanna's work goes beyond the kitchen. He is also a dedicated humanitarian, using his platform and his culinary skills to make a difference in the world. In 2011, he founded the Vikas Khanna Foundation, which works to alleviate hunger around the world. The foundation has donated millions of meals to people in need, and Khanna himself has cooked for refugees in war-torn countries like Syria and Iraq.

MasterChef India Judge

In addition to his culinary achievements, Vikas Khanna is also a well-known face on Indian television as a judge on MasterChef India. The show, which is an adaptation of the international franchise, features amateur chefs from across India competing for the title of MasterChef.

As a judge on the show, Vikas brings his extensive culinary knowledge and expertise to the table. He is known for his insightful feedback and encouragement to the contestants, helping them to grow and improve their skills in the kitchen.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Vikas shared his thoughts on being a judge on the show, saying, "MasterChef India is a platform that helps young chefs to showcase their talent to the world. It is an honor to be a part of a show that has helped so many people fulfill their dreams."

Vikas has been a part of the show since its inception in 2010 and has become a fan favorite among viewers. His warmth, positivity, and passion for food have made him a beloved figure in the Indian culinary world.

Through his work on MasterChef India, Vikas has not only inspired a new generation of chefs but has also helped to popularize the culinary arts in India. His contributions to the show and the Indian culinary scene have made him an icon in the industry, and his influence is sure to be felt for years to come.

Chef Vikas Khanna's culinary journey is a testament to his passion, talent, and dedication to his craft. His unique approach to cooking, his commitment to preserving and celebrating India's culinary heritage, and his humanitarian work have made him a beloved and respected figure in the culinary world and beyond.

Current Interests

Vikas Khanna had recently closed a MasterChef India season with Chef Ranveer Brar and Chef Garima Arora. He is known to be a strong proponent of fitness and he leads by example. He has been listed as one of the fittest chefs by various magazines. His book Imaginary Rain has been made into a feature film featuring Shabana Azmi.

He has also launched a new restaurant called Kinara in Dubai.

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