Chef Vikas Khanna has not only faced the challenges of his formative years by living in Amritsar and having a club foot, but he has also chosen to use food for expression and healing.
Life rooted in simplicity
Khanna began his culinary career in Amritsar. He would go to his grandmother’s kitchen to learn how to make Indian dishes and to understand the relationships between ingredients and people.
Finding purpose through food
The early experiences of cooking with his grandmother formed the basis for Khanna’s deep respect for food and cooking. He saw the ways in which food would help hold families together and, at the same time, act as a medium for expressing individual feelings and emotions, through the creation of flavourful dishes and how photography could represent food.
The Leap to New York
When Khanna moved to New York, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for him. He arrived in New York with just a few dollars in his pocket but had dreams that were as big as New York. Khanna took on several different jobs to support himself financially while pursuing his passion for cooking. New York City is known for its fast pace, so it was challenging for Khanna to adapt, but it helped him grow and open his mind to what the world has to offer and what he can produce. Khanna had the opportunity to experience different cultures and types of food while in New York, which allowed him to develop his technical skill set as well as his creative flair. This was also the time that Khanna started creating dishes that blended traditional Indian flavors with techniques from around the world, which defined his culinary style.
Junoon and Khanna’s Michelin Moment
As Khanna’s career progressed, he became executive chef at Junoon, an upscale Indian restaurant in Manhattan, where he helped create a completely new definition of fine-dining Indian food for people outside of India. Khanna’s unique approach at Junoon earned him notoriety throughout the world, ultimately receiving a Michelin star after the first year it was open, which it retained for many years to come. For Khanna, this recognition represents not only professional success, but also monumental pride for Indian food around the world.
Redefining Indian Cuisine Globally
Khanna has talked a lot about the need to change the way people think about Indian food. He has shown that Indian food can be presented beautifully and tastefully with fresh, local seasonal ingredients without losing its authenticity. His work changed how people perceive Indian food; it’s now on par with some of the best culinary traditions in the world. When he received his Michelin star, it verified to him that his vision was accepted.
Outside of the Kitchen: Author and Storyteller
Khanna has written many cookbooks, appeared on numerous television shows around the world, and is very devoted to helping those in need. His food aid programs during times of disaster around the world have received much recognition and have furthered his belief that chefs have a responsibility to more than just what goes onto the dinner plate or onto the restaurant menu. To Khanna, cooking is a way to communicate with family, friends and those who need your help, and to provide comfort, a means of change.
Lessons in Perseverance and Gratitude
In looking back on his journey, Khanna emphasizes that he is grateful and appreciates all the hard work he has put into it. In fact, Khanna often states that his adversities will help him in the future. According to Khanna, success is not about how many awards you receive but rather how well you stay true to your identity while remaining true to your evolution. The Michelin star is a prestigious accolade, but it is just another step along the road of a purposeful journey.
An Inspiration To Future Chefs
At this time, Vikas Khanna is a role model for many future chefs around the globe and specifically to those future chefs from underrepresented communities. His story provides inspiration to persevere, have cultural pride and believe in yourself despite obstacles. In addition to continuing to create great culinary dishes, writing and giving back, Khanna’s journey is a great example of how far passion mixed with perseverance can take you.
