Vikas Khanna is one of the most famous Indian chefs in the world. His journey from a small town in Amritsar, India, to becoming a Michelin-starred chef, author, and humanitarian is truly inspiring.
Born in 1971 with clubfoot, doctors said he might never walk, but his mother always believed in him. Despite the struggles, he found comfort in cooking and turned his passion into success. Today, he runs top restaurants in New York and Dubai and is known worldwide for promoting Indian cuisine.
Early Life: Struggles and Passion for Cooking
Vikas Khanna was born with clubfoot, which made it difficult for him to walk. Doctors doubted he would ever run or play like other children. However, his mother, Bindu Khanna, did not give up. She took him for treatment, and over time, he overcame his condition.
As a child, he faced bullying because of his leg braces. Instead of letting this break him, he found happiness in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he learned the art of Indian cooking. By 13, he was already helping his mother sell food.
Challenges in India: A Broken Dream
Vikas Khanna studied at the best culinary schools in India and worked with Taj, Oberoi, and Leela Hotels. He dreamed of opening his restaurant. However, his family’s banquet business collapsed, leaving them with nothing.
Heartbroken but determined, he moved to New York in 2000 with very little money but a dream to succeed.
Struggles in America: Starting from Zero
Moving to New York at 29, Vikas faced many struggles. He worked 31 odd jobs, including washing dishes, cleaning homes, and cooking in restaurants, just to survive.
He also faced discrimination. In one incident, a chef in Paris told him, “Black hands don’t cook, they only clean.” Instead of feeling defeated, Vikas promised himself he would prove them wrong.
The Breakthrough: Winning a Michelin Star
In 2010, after years of hard work, Vikas Khanna opened his first restaurant, Junoon, in New York.
Within one year, Junoon earned a Michelin Star, one of the highest honors in the food industry. This made him one of the most successful Indian chefs in the world.
Expanding Indian Cuisine Globally
After Junoon’s success, he expanded his presence worldwide.
- In 2019, he opened Kinara in Dubai, showcasing authentic Indian flavours.
- In 2020, he opened Ellora in Dubai, continuing his mission to promote Indian culture through food.
- Recently, in 2024, he opened a Bungalow in New York, a fine-dining restaurant.
The restaurant’s reservations sold out in just 11 seconds, proving his global popularity.
Beyond Cooking: Author, Filmmaker, and Humanitarian
Vikas Khanna is not just a chef. He is also a best-selling author, filmmaker, and humanitarian.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he started the Feed India initiative, which provided 50 million meals to people in need. This made him one of the biggest food relief providers in India.
He has also written over 35 books, including cookbooks, novels, and memoirs, all celebrating Indian food and culture.
MasterChef India and Global Recognition
As a judge on MasterChef India, he has inspired many young chefs. His documentary, “Buried Seeds,” tells his story of struggle and success, motivating aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs.
He has received multiple global awards, including recognition from the United Nations and the James Beard Foundation.
.Lessons from Vikas Khanna’s Journey
- His determination inspires us to never give up.
- He worked 31 jobs before achieving success, which shows hard work pays off.
- His love for Indian food made him a global success, which teaches us to follow our passion.
- He abides by the principle – Of giving back to society, and his Feed India initiative proved that real success is about helping others.
Conclusion
Vikas Khanna’s life is a powerful example of determination, passion, and success. From being told he would never walk to becoming a Michelin-starred chef and global icon, his story proves that dreams come true with hard work.
His journey continues to inspire chefs, entrepreneurs, and dreamers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vikas Khanna?
Vikas Khanna is a Michelin-starred chef, author, filmmaker, and humanitarian from India.
What is Vikas Khanna’s biggest achievement?
His biggest achievement is earning a Michelin Star for his New York restaurant Junoon within one year of opening in 2010. He has also written over 35 books, directed films, and served as a judge on MasterChef India.
What struggles did Vikas Khanna face in his early life?
Born in Amritsar in 1971 with clubfoot, doctors said he might never walk. He was bullied in school but found comfort in cooking. His family’s banquet business collapsed, and he moved to New York at 29 with very little money, working 31 odd jobs to survive.
How did Vikas Khanna start his culinary career?
He started cooking in his grandmother’s kitchen and later trained at top Indian hotels like Taj, Oberoi, and Leela Group. After his family’s business collapsed, he moved to New York and worked in various restaurants before opening Junoon in 2010.
How many Michelin Stars does Vikas Khanna have?
He has earned a Michelin Star eight times for his restaurant Junoon in New York, proving his excellence in the culinary world.
What books has Vikas Khanna written?
He has authored over 35 books, including cookbooks, memoirs, and novels like “Utsav: A Culinary Epic of Indian Festivals” and “Buried Seeds,” which tells his life story.
What movies has Vikas Khanna directed?
He directed “The Last Color”, a film about the struggles of widows in India, and “Buried Seeds”, a documentary about his journey.
