NYT rates Vikas Khanna’s Bungalow among America’s top 50

The New York Times has rated Indian American chef Vikas Khanna’s New York restaurant, Bungalow, “offering a nostalgic journey into India’s vintage clubhouses,” among America’s 50 best restaurants.

The leading US daily describes Bungalow as “a for-us-by-us restaurant,” where Khanna showcases bold, unapologetic flavors that cater to a more diverse audience, moving away from the traditional practice of tailoring Indian food to Western tastes.

It’s called “an invitation to experience history, culture, and exceptional cuisine inspired by these opulent clubs that help shape Indian social life and camaraderie.”

The list, which highlights some of the most innovative dining establishments across the country, emphasized Bungalow’s unique take on Indian cuisine, blending lesser-known regional flavors with personal creative spins.

READ: Chef Vikas Khanna pays tribute to author Monica Bhide Saigal (March 6, 2024)

The restaurant, which opened its doors this year in March, has quickly garnered attention for pushing the boundaries of traditional Indian food, offering dishes that break away from conventional expectations.

The menu features a reimagined Lucknowi galouti kebab, made with kidney beans and lotus root, and a ghee roast that substitutes plantains for meat, intensifying the richness of the dish. Another standout is the lamb chops, which are elevated with tangy notes from sour mango powder, adding an earthy, primal flavor.

Thanking NYT for the recognition, Khanna posted on X, “Bungalow makes it to the TOP 50 Restaurants 2024 by The New York Times. It is believed that it takes 3 generations of hard-work, perseverance & devotion for an artist to make it on a global stage. Thank youuuuu.”

He also thanked his mentors, his dedicated team, and the patrons who have supported the restaurant since its opening.

Born in Amritsar, India, in 1971, Khanna overcame a childhood leg deformity that delayed his ability to walk until he was 13. He graduated from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education with a degree in hotel management in 1991, followed by studies at the Culinary Institute of America and New York University.

His culinary career has spanned decades, and he has earned a reputation not only as a chef but also as a restaurateur, cookbook author, filmmaker, and humanitarian. Khanna is also known for his role as a judge on MasterChef India since its inception.

(This post was originally published by The American Bazaar.)