Chef Vikas Khanna pays tribute to author Monica Bhide Saigal with ‘Kiss of Kashmir’ dish

Khanna’s latest restaurant venture, Bungalow New York, features culinary homage to Saigal’s novel

Renowned Indian American chef Vikas Khanna is paying tribute to his friend and writer Monica Saigal Bhide in a gesture that blends the flavors of cuisine and storytelling.

The New York-based chef, known for his culinary artistry and innovative approach to Indian cuisine, is set to unveil his latest restaurant venture, Bungalow New York, with a special tribute to Saigal’s latest novel “A Kiss of Kashmir: A Timeless Tale of Love.”

The novel, released on February 14, is set against the enchanting backdrop of India’s Kashmir Valley. Drawing inspiration from her own teenage travels to the region, Saigal depicts the romance between a renowned Rajasthani artist and a retired American art history professor.

Khanna took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce a special addition to the Bungalow menu – the “Kiss of Kashmir” dish.

READ: Indian America  Vikas Khanna listed among top 10 global chefs (June 3, 2022)

Expressed pride in the diverse menu offerings at Bungalow, located in East Village, the chef wrote:

“Most of the menu of @bungalowny has evolved during travels or research & diversity of Indian Cuisine.

“We are proud of every dish, especially the dish we call, “Kiss of Kashmir”. The name was inspired by our friend @monicasaigalbhide’s latest novel. She is one of the foremost Indian food writers who made it in the mainstream America.

“Lotus Stems, with layers of zaika (flavor). Can’t wait to show you a glimpse of the dish next week. Our tribute to “Paradise of India – Kashmir.”

Saigal is the author of 12 books, and ‘A Kiss of Kashmir’ is her third work of fiction. Her debut novel, ‘Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken,’ delves into the therapeutic essence of food within the context of a community cooking contest. In her acclaimed work, “Modern Spice,” the Northern Virginia-based writer offers a modern twist on classic Indian dishes, earning it the title of ‘Best Cookbook Ever’ by Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi.

READ: Seasoned with love: Acclaimed Indian American food writer Monica Saigal releases ‘A Kiss in Kashmir’ (February 11, 2024)

Bungalow will open its doors on March 23rd, a date chosen to coincide with what would have been his sister Radhika’s 50th birthday.

“We open Bungalow on this auspicious day as a tribute to her life and to honor the countless kitchens, chefs, cookbook writers, street vendors, home cooks across India — and most importantly, to our MOTHERS who have forever nurtured our souls,” Khanna shared on Instagram recently.

In addition to being a renowned chef, Khanna is also a cookbook writer, filmmaker, and the owner of two popular restaurants in Dubai, Kinara and Ellora. He is also a judge on MasterChef India.