Vikas Khanna: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by 98.7.39.14
Last edited March 11, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
m robot: Creating/updating articles
m general enhanced layout for clarity and improved wording
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Indian chef}}
{{Short description|Michelin star Indian celebrity chef and restaurateur}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox person <!-- for more information see [[:Template:Infobox chef/doc]] -->
{{Infobox person  
| name = Vikas Khanna
| name = Vikas Khanna
| image = Doctorate ceremony.jpg
| image = Vikas Khanna - 1.jpg
| caption = Khanna receiving doctorate
| caption = Khanna in 2012
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1971|11|14}}
| birth_date = {{birth based on age as of date|50|2022|6|01}}
| birth_place = [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], [[India]]
| birth_place = [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India
| style = [[Indian cuisine]]
| style = [[Indian cuisine]]
| education = [[Manipal Academy of Higher Education]] [[GD Goenka University]]
| education = {{ubl|
| works = ''Ayurveda - The Science of Food and Life''<br/>''Mango Mia''<br/>''The Spice Story of India''<br/>''Cuisine of Gandhi''<br/>''New York Chefs Cooking for Life - Cookbook''
* [[Manipal Academy of Higher Education]]  
* [[GD Goenka University]]}}
| relatives = [[Radhika Khanna]] (sister)
| relatives = [[Radhika Khanna]] (sister)
}}
}}


'''Vikas Khanna''' (born 14 November 1971) is an Indian chef, restaurateur, cookbook writer, filmmaker and humanitarian. He is one of the judges of [[MasterChef India (Hindi TV series)|''MasterChef India'']]. He is based in [[New York City]].
'''Vikas Khanna''' is an [[Indian-American]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chandani |first=Priyanka |date=2023-05-07 |title=Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna overcomes disability, talks about racism and elevating Indian food |url=https://orato.world/2023/05/07/michelin-star-chef-vikas-khanna-overcomes-disability-talks-about-racism-and-elevating-indian-food/ |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=Orato |language=en-US}}</ref> celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook writer, and filmmaker. He has been one of the judges on [[MasterChef India (Hindi TV series)|''MasterChef India'']] since the show began.


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Khanna was born in [[Amritsar]], India, to Davinder and Bindu Khanna. His mother still lives there. He did his schooling at St. Francis School, Amritsar.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|first=Vedika|last=Sud|title=Indian Michelin-star chef feeds millions from New York|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/12/india/vikas-khanna-feed-india-intl-hnk-dst/index.html|access-date=2020-10-29|website=CNN}}</ref> He was born with a leg deformity ([[club foot]]) and wasn't able to run until he was 13 years old. He was inspired by his Biji (grandmother) who loved to cook, and her kitchen became a part of his foundational training.
Khanna was born in [[Amritsar]], India in a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] family.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amritsar-born chef Vikas Khanna ranked in global top 10 list by Gazette Review |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/amritsar-born-chef-vikas-khanna-ranked-in-global-top-10-list-by-gazette-review-400095 |access-date=18 June 2023 |work=Tribune |agency=PTI |date=1 June 2022}}</ref> He did his schooling at St. Francis School, Amritsar.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|first=Vedika|last=Sud|title=Indian Michelin-star chef feeds millions from New York|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/12/india/vikas-khanna-feed-india-intl-hnk-dst/index.html|access-date=29 October 2020|website=CNN|date=12 October 2020 }}</ref> He was born with a leg deformity ([[club foot]]) and wasn't able to run until he was 13 years old. He graduated from [[Manipal Academy of Higher Education]] in 1991 where he studied hotel management.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/vikas-khanna-goes-down-memory-lane/article2862408.ece|title=Vikas Khanna goes down memory lane|date=5 February 2012|access-date=16 July 2018|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> He then studied at [[Culinary Institute of America]] and [[New York University]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna's first business was 'total failure'. What he learned from it |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/michelin-star-chef-vikas-khannas-first-business-was-total-failure-what-he-learned-from-it-9717461.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308191008/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/michelin-star-chef-vikas-khannas-first-business-was-total-failure-what-he-learned-from-it-9717461.html |archive-date=8 March 2025 |access-date=2025-11-29 |website=Moneycontrol |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref>


Khanna began developing recipes at a very young age and opened Lawrence Gardens Banquets to host weddings and family functions when he was 17. He graduated from Welcomgroup graduate school of hotel administration a constituent of  [[Manipal Academy of Higher Education]] in 1991.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/vikas-khanna-goes-down-memory-lane/article2862408.ece|title=Vikas Khanna goes down memory lane|author=Staff Correspondent|date=5 February 2012|access-date=16 July 2018|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>
He received an honorary doctorate at [[GD Goenka University]].<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://indiaeducationdiary.in/celebrity-chef-vikas-khanna-conferred-honorary-doctorate-g-d-goenka-university/|title = Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna to be conferred honorary doctorate by G.D Goenka University|date = 6 February 2018|access-date = 29 July 2019|archive-date = 14 June 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240614054948/https://indiaeducationdiary.in/celebrity-chef-vikas-khanna-conferred-honorary-doctorate-g-d-goenka-university/|url-status = dead}}</ref>
 
Vikas Khanna also received an honorary doctorate at [[GD Goenka University]] as a recognition for his outstanding work in culinary art  philanthropy, altruism and humanitarianism and his global reach as a chef.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indiaeducationdiary.in/celebrity-chef-vikas-khanna-conferred-honorary-doctorate-g-d-goenka-university/|title = Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna to be conferred honorary doctorate by G.D Goenka University|date = 6 February 2018}}</ref>
 
He has also studied at [[Culinary Institute of America]] and [[New York University]].


==Career==
==Career==
While in India, Khanna worked for the [[Taj Hotels]], [[The Oberoi Group|Oberoi group]], [[ITC Hotels|Welcome group]], and [[Leela Group of Hotels]].
While in India, Khanna worked for the [[Taj Hotels]], [[The Oberoi Group|Oberoi group]], [[ITC Hotels|Welcome group]], and [[Leela Group of Hotels]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chef Vikas Khanna is set to open new restaurant Bungalow in New York in March |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/lifestyle/chef-vikas-khanna-is-set-to-open-new-restaurant-bungalow-in-new-york-in-march-12345251.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250710120738/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/lifestyle/chef-vikas-khanna-is-set-to-open-new-restaurant-bungalow-in-new-york-in-march-12345251.html |archive-date=10 July 2025 |access-date=2025-11-29 |website=Moneycontrol |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> Khanna worked at Salaam Bombay and The Café at the [[Rubin Museum of Art]] in New York before he joined [[Junoon (restaurant)|Junoon]], an upscale Indian restaurant in [[Flatiron district]] of Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/dining/reviews/30rest.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715022340/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/dining/reviews/30rest.html/?_r=1%2F|url-status=dead|title=Crosstown Tour of India|first=Sam|last=Sifton|date=29 March 2011|archivedate=15 July 2014|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
 
Khanna had worked at Salaam Bombay and The Café at the [[Rubin Museum of Art]] in New York before he joined Junoon, an upscale Indian restaurant in [[Flatiron district]] of Manhattan. Junoon received a favorable review from [[Sam Sifton]] in ''[[The New York Times]]''<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/dining/reviews/30rest.html/?_r=1/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715022340/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/dining/reviews/30rest.html/?_r=1%2F|date=15 July 2014}}</ref> in its inaugural year and was awarded a Michelin star by the [[Michelin Guide]] for six consecutive years since 2011.<ref name=":0" />


He has also worked with top chefs including [[Gordon Ramsay]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/food-drink/musings/story/vikas-khanna-india-birthday-gordon-ramsay-masterchef-australia-queen-elizabeth-barack-obama-utsav-lifefd-1085929-2017-11-14|title=8 times Vikas Khanna made India proud on an international platform|date=14 November 2017|first=Shreya|last=Goswami|newspaper=India Today|language=en|access-date=2020-03-09}}</ref> [[Éric Ripert|Eric Ripert]], [[Bobby Flay]] and [[Jean-Georges Vongerichten]].
In 2019, he opened a restaurant called Kinara in [[Dubai]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeoutdubai.com/food-drink/food-news/418013-new-indian-restaurant-kinara-by-vikas-khanna-is-now-open-in-dubai|title=Kinara by Vikas Khanna|date=2 October 2019 }}</ref> In 2020, he opened a restaurant called Ellora in [[Dubai]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeoutdubai.com/food-drink/food-news/446306-new-restaurant-ellora-by-vikas-khanna-opens-in-dubai|title=Ellora by Vikas Khanna|date=18 August 2020 }}</ref> In 2024, he opened a restaurant, [[Bungalow (restaurant)|Bungalow]] in the [[East Village, Manhattan|East Village]] neighborhood of [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fortney |first1=Luke |title=Manhattan Is Getting an Ambitious Indian Restaurant From a Celebrity Chef |url=https://ny.eater.com/2024/3/15/24099954/bungalow-opening-east-village-march-23-vikas-khanna |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Eater NY |date=15 March 2024 |language=en |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324185526/https://ny.eater.com/2024/3/15/24099954/bungalow-opening-east-village-march-23-vikas-khanna |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=bloomberg>{{cite news |last1=Ghosh |first1=Bobby |title=Indian Restaurants Are Wall Street's New Celebration Spots |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-28/nyc-indian-restaurants-are-wall-street-s-new-deal-celebration-spot |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Bloomberg |date=28 June 2024 |archive-date=28 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628145117/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-28/nyc-indian-restaurants-are-wall-street-s-new-deal-celebration-spot |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fabricant |first1=Florence |title=Hidden Luxury Beckons at Bungalow |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/19/dining/bungalow-restaurant-opening.html |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=The New York Times |date=19 March 2024 |archive-date=29 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629170214/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/19/dining/bungalow-restaurant-opening.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Khanna has authored more than 40 books. One of his books Magnum opus - Utsav was auctioned as the world's most expensive cookbook. He also actively supports the cause of nutrition in India and is the goodwill ambassador of Smile Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://asiasociety.org/new-york/events/vikas-khannas-transformative-story|title=Vikas Khanna's Transformative Story|date=2025-02-12|access-date=2025-02-12|website=asiasociety.org}}</ref>
 
In 2019, he opened a restaurant called Kinara in [[Dubai]]. <ref> [https://www.timeoutdubai.com/food-drink/food-news/418013-new-indian-restaurant-kinara-by-vikas-khanna-is-now-open-in-dubai Kinara by Vikas Khanna] </ref> In 2020, he opened a restaurant called Ellora in [[Dubai]].<ref> [https://www.timeoutdubai.com/food-drink/food-news/446306-new-restaurant-ellora-by-vikas-khanna-opens-in-dubai Ellora by Vikas Khanna]</ref>


==Television shows==
==Television shows==
From 2011, Khanna hosted six seasons of [[MasterChef India (Hindi TV series)|''MasterChef India'']] (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) a series based on the original British version. He has been hosting all the seasons of the show since then. Khanna was invited as a guest judge on ''[[MasterChef Australia]]'' in Season 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/masterchef/photos/masterchef-india-pressure-test#2|title=MasterChef India Pressure Test|publisher=Network Ten|website=TenPlay - MasterChef India Pressure Test|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref>
From 2011, Khanna hosted seven seasons of [[MasterChef India (Hindi TV series)|''MasterChef India'']] (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) a series based on the original British version. He has been hosting all the seasons of the show since then. Khanna was invited as a guest judge on ''[[MasterChef Australia]]'' in Season 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/masterchef/photos/masterchef-india-pressure-test#2|title=MasterChef India Pressure Test|publisher=Network Ten|website=TenPlay - MasterChef India Pressure Test|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> He appeared as a Consultant chef to help a failing Indian restaurant named Purnima on the [[Gordon Ramsay]] TV series ''[[Kitchen Nightmares]]''. Khanna appeared as a judge and an Indian-cuisine specialist on the two-part season finale of ''[[Hell's Kitchen (U.S. season 6)#Episode 14|Hell's Kitchen]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/10/14/hells-kitchen-season-finale-recap/|title='Hell's Kitchen' recap: The season finale|work=EW.com|access-date=27 November 2018|language=en}}</ref>
 
He has hosted four seasons of the show ''Twist of Taste'' on [[Fox Life]].
 
Khanna was featured as a Consultant chef to help a failing Indian restaurant named Purnima on the [[Gordon Ramsay]] TV series ''[[Kitchen Nightmares]]''.<ref>{{Citation|title=Dillons|date=26 September 2007|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1055693/|access-date=2018-11-27}}</ref>
 
Khanna appeared as a judge and an Indian-cuisine specialist on the two-part season finale of ''[[Hell's Kitchen (U.S. season 6)#Episode 14|Hell's Kitchen]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/10/14/hells-kitchen-season-finale-recap/|title='Hell's Kitchen' recap: The season finale|work=EW.com|access-date=2018-11-27|language=en}}</ref>
 
He has appeared on ''[[Throwdown! with Bobby Flay]]''<ref>{{Citation|last=VikasKhannaGroup|title=Vikas Khanna|date=2010-07-05|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hES9xRv2IEo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/hES9xRv2IEo |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|access-date=2018-11-27}}{{cbignore}}</ref> as a judge and as a guest chef on ''[[The Martha Stewart Show]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marthastewart.com/993942/fresh-roti-indian-bread-shrimp|title=Fresh Roti Indian Bread with Shrimp|work=marthastewart.com|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref>


==Film production==
==Film production==


Khanna has produced a documentary series named ''Holy Kitchens'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vkhanna.com/HolyKitchens.html|title=Holy Kitchens|website=vkhanna.com/HolyKitchens.html|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> which explores the bond between faith and food. The series has been showcased at Harvard, Princeton, Columbia and Oxford Universities and Film Festivals.
His documentary ''Kitchens of Gratitude'' was featured at [[Marché du Film|Marche du Film]] at the 69th [[Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/cannes-2016-chef-vikas-khanna-screens-documentary-on-food-1243370.html|title=Cannes 2016: Chef Vikas Khanna Screens Documentary on Food|work=News18|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref>
 
His documentary ''Kitchens of Gratitude'' was featured at [[Marché du Film|Marche du Film]] at the 69th [[Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/cannes-2016-chef-vikas-khanna-screens-documentary-on-food-1243370.html|title=Cannes 2016: Chef Vikas Khanna Screens Documentary on Food|work=News18|access-date=2018-11-27}}</ref>
 
His directorial debut ''[[The Last Color]]'' is a film about the daily struggles for survival on the streets of the ancient city of Banaras, India. The teaser of the film featuring veteran Indian actress [[Neena Gupta]] was released at the 71st [[Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/four-row-celebrity-chef-vikas-khanna-cannes-090603949.html|title=Four-in-a-row for celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna at Cannes.It has been also nominated for 'Best picture' by the Academy awards(Oscars).|access-date=2018-11-27|language=en-IN}}</ref> The film made it to the final list of Oscar 2020 Eligibility for Best Film.
 
==Philanthropy==
Khanna launched the foundation "South Asian Kid's Infinite Vision" (SAKIV)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sakiv.org/|title=sakiv - Vikas Khanna Foundation|website=Sakiv.org|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref> to focus on worldwide issues that demand urgent action such as Tsunami Relief, Hurricanes of the Gulf Coast, Haiti. In collaboration with charitable institutions, such as [[Save the Children]], the foundation has hosted many events worldwide - from [[The Great Pyramid of Giza]] in [[Egypt]] to the [[Taj Mahal]] in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sakiv.org/SoulofTaj.html|title=sakiv - Soul of Taj|website=Sakiv.org|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sakiv.org/PastEvents.html|title=sakiv - Past Events|website=Sakiv.org|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref>
 
In 2018 Vikas Khanna built the first Culinary museum of India at his alma mater Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal.{{Citation-needed|date=February 2022}}
 
"Cooking for Life" founded by Khanna in 2001 in New York along with the world's top chefs<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sakiv.org/Chefs.html|title=sakiv - Supporting Chefs|website=Sakiv.org|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref> supports several social causes.
 
''Vision of Palate'' is his award-winning<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://sakiv.org/PastWorkshops.html|title=Past workshops|website=vkhanna.com|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> workshop developed to educate people with visual disabilities about the sense of taste, flavor and aromas.
 
On 14 May 2012, Khanna cooked for a fundraiser hosted for President Obama at the [[Rubin Museum of Art]] in [[New York City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiawest.com/news/business/chef-prepares-meal-for-obama-to-kick-off-campaign/article_c4cd51c6-a59e-56cd-bdae-23a5c7d044fc.html|title=Chef Prepares Meal for Obama to Kick Off Campaign|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref>
 
Khanna is the goodwill ambassador for Smile Foundation and supports the cause of malnutrition in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smilefoundationindia.org/cookforsmile/|title=Cook for a Smile|website=Smile Foundation|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref> He has pledged to raise 1 million US dollars for the same.
 
In April 2020, during the [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] global pandemic, he started a "Feed India" initiative which is backed by [[Pepsi]], India Gate, [[Quaker Oats Company|Quaker Oats]], [[Hyatt|Hyatt Regency]] and Global Funds for Widows and delivers food and supplies to those in need in India.<ref name=":0" />
 
==Awards and recognitions==
* Top 10 Chefs in the world by [[Deutsche Welle|Deutsche Welle News]] and Gazette Review.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/jamie-oliver-and-10-other-iconic-chefs/a-18843942|title=Jamie Oliver and 10 other iconic chefs|date=2015-11-11|website=Deutsche Welle|language=en|access-date=2018-11-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gazettereview.com/2017/04/top-10-chefs/|title=Top 10 Chefs In The World - The Best in 2018 - Gazette Review|last=Deml|first=Jessica|date=2017-04-22|work=Gazette Review|access-date=2018-11-26|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris causa) Degree by the G D Goenka University.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdgoenkauniversity.com/news-events/chef-vikas-khanna-receives-honorary-doctorate-from-g-d-goenka-university/|title=Chef Vikas Khanna receives honorary doctorate from G.D Goenka University|date=9 February 2018|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref>
* Doctorate in literature (Honoris causa) by D Y Patil University.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dypatil.edu/12th-convocation-ceremony-2018/|title=12th Convocation Ceremony 2018 - D. Y. Patil University|work=D. Y. Patil University|access-date=2018-11-27|language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[James Beard Foundation Award]] nomination for his book Return to the Rivers in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/complete-2014-jbf-award-nominees|title=The Complete 2014 JBF Award Nominees|website=www.jamesbeard.org|language=en|access-date=2018-11-27}}</ref>
* "Rising Star" Chef Award by Star Chefs for his role in shaping the future of American Cuisine(2011).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.starchefs.com/cook/chefs/2011-new-york-rising-stars/chef-vikas-khanna|title=Chef Vikas Khanna of Junoon {{!}} StarChefs.com|website=www.starchefs.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-27}}</ref>
* GQ India Man of the year 2012 by [[GQ Magazine]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gqindia.com/content/gq-men-year-2012-part-2/|title=GQ Men of the Year 2012 : Part 2|date=2012-10-29|work=GQ India|access-date=2018-11-27|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Featured in the list of Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine in November 2011.
* "Access to Freedom Award"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingrains.com/archives/000805.html/|title=Rolling Rains Report:: Vikas Khanna Promotes Accessibility & Hospitality Worldwide|website=Rollingrains.com|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref> in 2005 from SATH.
* The Shining Star Award from "Just One Break, Inc."<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://www.vkhanna.com/documents/job.pdf|title=Archived copy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907114827/http://www.vkhanna.com/documents/job.pdf|archive-date=7 September 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=2009-07-23|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* Proclamation from the [[New York City Council]] for his outstanding contribution to the city, and was chosen "New Yorker of the Week" by [[NY1]].
* Featured on the cover of Men's Health India Magazine in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://menshealth.intoday.in/story/chef-vikas-khanna-masterchef-india-new-york/1/117265.html|title=Cut, chisel, sizzle... : Cover Stories - Menshealth|website=menshealth.intoday.in|access-date=2018-11-27}}</ref>
* He was voted "New York's Hottest Chef" in a poll conducted by the New York ''Eater'' [[blog]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ny.eater.com/2011/2/16/6696719/junoons-vikas-khanna-is-new-yorks-hottest-chef|title=Junoon's Vikas Khanna is New York's Hottest Chef|work=Eater NY|access-date=2018-11-27}}</ref>
 
==Bibliography==
1. ''Ayurveda'' - The Science of Food and Life
 
2. Mango Mia - Celebrating the tropical world of Mangoes
 
3. The Cuisine of Gandhi - Based on the beliefs of the Legend
 
4. The Spice Story of India
 
5. New York Chefs Cooking for Life
 
6. Modern Indian Cooking
 
7. Flavors First: An Indian Chef's Culinary Journey
 
8. My Great India Cookbook
 
9. Khanna Sutra: Food Lessons in Love
 
10. Everyone Can Cook
 
11. Savour Mumbai: A Culinary Journey Through India's Melting Pot
 
12. Young Chefs
 
13. Return to the Rivers - Recipes and Memories of the Himalayan River Valleys
 
14. Bliss of Spices - The Essence of Indian Kitchen
 
15. Hymns from the Soil ''-'' A Vegetarian Saga
 
16. Amritsar - Flavours of the Golden city
 
17. The Magic Rolling Pin
 
18. World Feast - My Favourite Kitchen
 
19. MasterChef India Cookbook
 
20. Shaken & Stirred - 101 non-alcoholic blends
 
21. Timeless Legacy - His Holiness the Dalai Lama
 
22. The Milk Moustache
 
23. ''UTSAV'' - A Culinary Epic of Indian Festivals
 
24. Indian Harvest - Classic and Contemporary Vegetarian Dishes
 
25. Essence of Seasoning - My All Time Favorite Recipes
 
26. Mocktails, Punches, and Shrubs
 
27. My First Kitchen
 
28. A Tree Named Ganga
 
29. POEATRY - Poems from the heart of farms and a kitchen
 
30. ''PÃTRA'' - Heritage of the Indian Kitchen
 
31. The Last Color
 
32. The Wholesome Grain
 
33. Pilgrim's Flavors
 
34. Ceremony of Aromas
 
35. Magic of Slow Cooking
 
36. Back to our Roots


37. BARKAT
His directorial debut ''[[The Last Color]]'' is a film about the daily struggles for survival on the streets of Banaras, India.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/four-row-celebrity-chef-vikas-khanna-cannes-090603949.html|title=Four-in-a-row for celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna at Cannes.It has been also nominated for 'Best picture' by the Academy awards(Oscars).|access-date=27 November 2018|language=en-IN}}</ref>


38. Sacred Foods of India
== Public advocacy ==
In January 2026, Vikas Khanna drew public attention to hygiene concerns at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after sharing images of worn and dusty carpets inside the terminal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-03 |title='It is beyond cleaning now': Chef Vikas Khanna asks authorities to remove dirty carpets from Mumbai airport |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tv/it-is-beyond-cleaning-now-chef-vikas-khanna-asks-authorities-to-remove-unaccepable-dirty-carpets-from-mumbai-airport-101767405265269.html |access-date=2026-01-03 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Describing the condition as “beyond cleaning,” he urged airport authorities to remove the carpets, citing potential health risks for passengers, especially those with respiratory issues.<ref name="Google News">{{Cite web |title=Google News |url=https://news.google.com/ |access-date=2026-01-03 |website=Google News |language=en-IN}}</ref> The airport authorities acknowledged his concerns and stated that corrective measures would be taken, prioritising passenger health and comfort.<ref name="Google News"/>


39. Barefoot Empress
==Recognition==
* Top 10 Chefs in the world by [[Deutsche Welle|Deutsche Welle News]] and Gazette Review.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/jamie-oliver-and-10-other-iconic-chefs/a-18843942|title=Jamie Oliver and 10 other iconic chefs|date=11 November 2015|website=Deutsche Welle|language=en|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gazettereview.com/2017/04/top-10-chefs/|title=Top 10 Chefs In The World - The Best in 2018 - Gazette Review|last=Deml|first=Jessica|date=22 April 2017|work=Gazette Review|access-date=26 November 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris causa) Degree by the G D Goenka University.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdgoenkauniversity.com/news-events/chef-vikas-khanna-receives-honorary-doctorate-from-g-d-goenka-university/|title=Chef Vikas Khanna receives honorary doctorate from G.D Goenka University|date=9 February 2018|access-date=16 July 2018|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713234639/http://www.gdgoenkauniversity.com/news-events/chef-vikas-khanna-receives-honorary-doctorate-from-g-d-goenka-university/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Doctorate in literature (Honoris causa) by D Y Patil University.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dypatil.edu/12th-convocation-ceremony-2018/|title=12th Convocation Ceremony 2018 - D. Y. Patil University|work=D. Y. Patil University|access-date=27 November 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[James Beard Foundation Award]] nomination for his book Return to the Rivers in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/complete-2014-jbf-award-nominees|title=The Complete 2014 JBF Award Nominees|website=www.jamesbeard.org|language=en|access-date=27 November 2018|archive-date=1 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901195115/https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/complete-2014-jbf-award-nominees|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* "Rising Star" Chef Award by Star Chefs for his role in shaping the future of American Cuisine(2011).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.starchefs.com/cook/chefs/2011-new-york-rising-stars/chef-vikas-khanna|title=Chef Vikas Khanna of Junoon {{!}} StarChefs.com|website=www.starchefs.com|language=en|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref>
* GQ India Man of the year 2012 by [[GQ Magazine]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gqindia.com/content/gq-men-year-2012-part-2/|title=GQ Men of the Year 2012 : Part 2|date=29 October 2012|work=GQ India|access-date=27 November 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>
* The Shining Star Award from "Just One Break, Inc."<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://www.vkhanna.com/documents/job.pdf|title=Archived copy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907114827/http://www.vkhanna.com/documents/job.pdf|archive-date=7 September 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=23 July 2009}}</ref>
* Featured on the cover of Men's Health India Magazine in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://menshealth.intoday.in/story/chef-vikas-khanna-masterchef-india-new-york/1/117265.html|title=Cut, chisel, sizzle... : Cover Stories - Menshealth|website=menshealth.intoday.in|access-date=27 November 2018|archive-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127110511/http://menshealth.intoday.in/story/chef-vikas-khanna-masterchef-india-new-york/1/117265.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* He was voted "New York's Hottest Chef" in a poll conducted by the New York ''Eater'' [[blog]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ny.eater.com/2011/2/16/6696719/junoons-vikas-khanna-is-new-yorks-hottest-chef|title=Junoon's Vikas Khanna is New York's Hottest Chef|work=Eater NY|access-date=27 November 2018}}</ref>
* His New York based restaurant “Bungalow” won  Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand award.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-10 |title=Vikas Khanna's New York restaurant Bungalow wins Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand award |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/trending-news/story/vikas-khanna-new-york-restaurant-bungalow-wins-michelin-2024-bib-gourmand-award-2647688-2024-12-10 |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
* Chef Vikas Khanna was awarded the highest Rotary honor, the Paul Harris Fellow, by Priya Ahluwalia from the SWFL Rotary Club, and was also inducted as an honorary member of the club.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-14 |title=A Taste of Service Above Self: Celebrating Vocational Service Through Culinary Impact |url=https://rotaryserviceblog.org/2025/08/14/a-taste-of-service-above-self-celebrating-vocational-service-through-culinary-impact/ |access-date=2025-09-24 |website=Rotary Service Blog |language=en}}</ref>
* In 2024, Chef Vikas Khanna joined Rotary leaders from the SWFL Rotary Club in launching a literacy initiative at a NASDAQ event in New York, highlighting the role of education and service in global development.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-17 |title=Rotary leader helps launch literacy push, NASDAQ event |url=https://www.gulfshorebusiness.com/nonprofit/rotary-leader-helps-launch-literacy-push-nasdaq-event/article_9eb91723-8946-4cc4-9b43-3fe0207164d7.html |access-date=2025-09-24 |website=Gulfshore Business |language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 170: Line 62:
{{Commons category|Vikas Khanna}}
{{Commons category|Vikas Khanna}}
* {{official website|vkhanna.com/}}
* {{official website|vkhanna.com/}}
* https://m.imdb.com/name/nm2301454
* [https://m.imdb.com/name/nm2301454 Vikas Khanna | Director, Writer, Producer]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Khanna, Vikas}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khanna, Vikas}}
[[Category:American chefs]]
[[Category:Indian chefs]]
[[Category:Indian food writers]]
[[Category:Artists from Amritsar]]
[[Category:Artists from Amritsar]]
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Canadian Sikhs]]
[[Category:Chefs of Indian cuisine]]
[[Category:Chefs of Indian cuisine]]
[[Category:Head chefs of Michelin starred restaurants]]
[[Category:Head chefs of Michelin-starred restaurants]]
[[Category:People from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Chefs from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Manipal Academy of Higher Education alumni]]
[[Category:Manipal Academy of Higher Education alumni]]
[[Category:Asia Game Changer Award winners]]
[[Category:Asia Game Changer Award winners]]
[[Category:Indian television chefs]]

Latest revision as of 01:29, 11 March 2026


Vikas Khanna
Khanna in 2012
Born1971/1972 (age 54–55)
Amritsar, Punjab, India
Education
StyleIndian cuisine
RelativesRadhika Khanna (sister)

Vikas Khanna is an Indian-American[1] celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook writer, and filmmaker. He has been one of the judges on MasterChef India since the show began.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Khanna was born in Amritsar, India in a Punjabi family.[2] He did his schooling at St. Francis School, Amritsar.[3] He was born with a leg deformity (club foot) and wasn't able to run until he was 13 years old. He graduated from Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 1991 where he studied hotel management.[4] He then studied at Culinary Institute of America and New York University.[5]

He received an honorary doctorate at GD Goenka University.[6]

Career[edit | edit source]

While in India, Khanna worked for the Taj Hotels, Oberoi group, Welcome group, and Leela Group of Hotels.[7] Khanna worked at Salaam Bombay and The Café at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York before he joined Junoon, an upscale Indian restaurant in Flatiron district of Manhattan.[8][3]

In 2019, he opened a restaurant called Kinara in Dubai.[9] In 2020, he opened a restaurant called Ellora in Dubai.[10] In 2024, he opened a restaurant, Bungalow in the East Village neighborhood of New York City.[11][12][13] Khanna has authored more than 40 books. One of his books Magnum opus - Utsav was auctioned as the world's most expensive cookbook. He also actively supports the cause of nutrition in India and is the goodwill ambassador of Smile Foundation.[14]

Television shows[edit | edit source]

From 2011, Khanna hosted seven seasons of MasterChef India (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) a series based on the original British version. He has been hosting all the seasons of the show since then. Khanna was invited as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia in Season 6.[15] He appeared as a Consultant chef to help a failing Indian restaurant named Purnima on the Gordon Ramsay TV series Kitchen Nightmares. Khanna appeared as a judge and an Indian-cuisine specialist on the two-part season finale of Hell's Kitchen.[16]

Film production[edit | edit source]

His documentary Kitchens of Gratitude was featured at Marche du Film at the 69th Cannes Film Festival.[17]

His directorial debut The Last Color is a film about the daily struggles for survival on the streets of Banaras, India.[18]

Public advocacy[edit | edit source]

In January 2026, Vikas Khanna drew public attention to hygiene concerns at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after sharing images of worn and dusty carpets inside the terminal.[19] Describing the condition as “beyond cleaning,” he urged airport authorities to remove the carpets, citing potential health risks for passengers, especially those with respiratory issues.[20] The airport authorities acknowledged his concerns and stated that corrective measures would be taken, prioritising passenger health and comfort.[20]

Recognition[edit | edit source]

  • Top 10 Chefs in the world by Deutsche Welle News and Gazette Review.[21][22]
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris causa) Degree by the G D Goenka University.[23]
  • Doctorate in literature (Honoris causa) by D Y Patil University.[24]
  • James Beard Foundation Award nomination for his book Return to the Rivers in 2014.[25]
  • "Rising Star" Chef Award by Star Chefs for his role in shaping the future of American Cuisine(2011).[26]
  • GQ India Man of the year 2012 by GQ Magazine.[27]
  • The Shining Star Award from "Just One Break, Inc."[28]
  • Featured on the cover of Men's Health India Magazine in 2012.[29]
  • He was voted "New York's Hottest Chef" in a poll conducted by the New York Eater blog.[30]
  • His New York based restaurant “Bungalow” won Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand award.[31]
  • Chef Vikas Khanna was awarded the highest Rotary honor, the Paul Harris Fellow, by Priya Ahluwalia from the SWFL Rotary Club, and was also inducted as an honorary member of the club.[32]
  • In 2024, Chef Vikas Khanna joined Rotary leaders from the SWFL Rotary Club in launching a literacy initiative at a NASDAQ event in New York, highlighting the role of education and service in global development.[33]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Chandani, Priyanka (7 May 2023). "Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna overcomes disability, talks about racism and elevating Indian food". Orato. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  2. ↑ "Amritsar-born chef Vikas Khanna ranked in global top 10 list by Gazette Review". Tribune. PTI. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sud, Vedika (12 October 2020). "Indian Michelin-star chef feeds millions from New York". CNN. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  4. ↑ "Vikas Khanna goes down memory lane". The Hindu. 5 February 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  5. ↑ "Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna's first business was 'total failure'. What he learned from it". Moneycontrol. Archived from the original on 8 March 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  6. ↑ "Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna to be conferred honorary doctorate by G.D Goenka University". 6 February 2018. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2019.
  7. ↑ "Chef Vikas Khanna is set to open new restaurant Bungalow in New York in March". Moneycontrol. Archived from the original on 10 July 2025. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
  8. ↑ Sifton, Sam (29 March 2011). "Crosstown Tour of India". Archived from the original on 15 July 2014 – via NYTimes.com.
  9. ↑ "Kinara by Vikas Khanna". 2 October 2019.
  10. ↑ "Ellora by Vikas Khanna". 18 August 2020.
  11. ↑ Fortney, Luke (15 March 2024). "Manhattan Is Getting an Ambitious Indian Restaurant From a Celebrity Chef". Eater NY. Archived from the original on 24 March 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  12. ↑ Ghosh, Bobby (28 June 2024). "Indian Restaurants Are Wall Street's New Celebration Spots". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 28 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  13. ↑ Fabricant, Florence (19 March 2024). "Hidden Luxury Beckons at Bungalow". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 29 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  14. ↑ "Vikas Khanna's Transformative Story". asiasociety.org. 12 February 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  15. ↑ "MasterChef India Pressure Test". TenPlay - MasterChef India Pressure Test. Network Ten. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  16. ↑ "'Hell's Kitchen' recap: The season finale". EW.com. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  17. ↑ "Cannes 2016: Chef Vikas Khanna Screens Documentary on Food". News18. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  18. ↑ "Four-in-a-row for celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna at Cannes.It has been also nominated for 'Best picture' by the Academy awards(Oscars)". Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  19. ↑ "'It is beyond cleaning now': Chef Vikas Khanna asks authorities to remove dirty carpets from Mumbai airport". Hindustan Times. 3 January 2026. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Google News". Google News. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  21. ↑ "Jamie Oliver and 10 other iconic chefs". Deutsche Welle. 11 November 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  22. ↑ Deml, Jessica (22 April 2017). "Top 10 Chefs In The World - The Best in 2018 - Gazette Review". Gazette Review. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  23. ↑ "Chef Vikas Khanna receives honorary doctorate from G.D Goenka University". 9 February 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  24. ↑ "12th Convocation Ceremony 2018 - D. Y. Patil University". D. Y. Patil University. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  25. ↑ "The Complete 2014 JBF Award Nominees". www.jamesbeard.org. Archived from the original on 1 September 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  26. ↑ "Chef Vikas Khanna of Junoon | StarChefs.com". www.starchefs.com. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  27. ↑ "GQ Men of the Year 2012 : Part 2". GQ India. 29 October 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  28. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 September 2008. Retrieved 23 July 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  29. ↑ "Cut, chisel, sizzle... : Cover Stories - Menshealth". menshealth.intoday.in. Archived from the original on 27 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  30. ↑ "Junoon's Vikas Khanna is New York's Hottest Chef". Eater NY. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  31. ↑ "Vikas Khanna's New York restaurant Bungalow wins Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand award". India Today. 10 December 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
  32. ↑ "A Taste of Service Above Self: Celebrating Vocational Service Through Culinary Impact". Rotary Service Blog. 14 August 2025. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  33. ↑ "Rotary leader helps launch literacy push, NASDAQ event". Gulfshore Business. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vikas_Khanna&oldid=472629"
Discover more