Vikas Khanna’s NYC Bungalow wins Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award

Indian chef calls it “just the beginning,” vowing to offer “an experience that will be a testament to Indian hospitality”

By Arun Kumar

Adding another feather to his cap, Indian chef Vikas Khanna, who has previously received Michelin Star eight times, has won the prestigious Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award for his New York restaurant, Bungalow.

Opened in March 2024, Khanna had described the restaurant as a “cultural bridge between India and the US” made possible by the love of his supporters.He dedicated the restaurant to his late sister Radhika, a fashion designer and owner of the women’s daily wear fashion brand Estilo Inc. She died on Feb 28, 2022, of an autoimmune disease called lupus and other related issues.

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“260 days of Bungalow & today we received the Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award,” an elated Khanna holding aloft the Indian tricolour posted on Instagram. “While I’ve previously received the Michelin Star 8 times, today felt different. I felt that it was for some higher purpose, it was like a tribute, it was like a promise to my land and to my people. To my sister. ❤️”

“This is just the beginning,” he wrote vowing to “work harder & harder everyday to give our guests an experience that will be a testament to Indian hospitality.”

In addition to this honor, Bungalow was also featured in The New York Times’ prestigious list of “Top 14 New Restaurants”, further cementing its place among the finest dining experiences in the city.

The announcement sparked an outpouring of congratulations from fans, peers, and admirers worldwide. Comments on social media celebrated Khanna as the “pride of India,” with one user writing, “Congratulations, Chef!”, while another remarked, “Happy tears ❤️❤️❤️❤️ immense love to you, Chef.”

Fellow chefs also joined in celebrating the achievement. Chef Shipra Khanna, said “Chef Vikas Khanna’s restaurant Bungalow receiving the Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award is a shining moment for Indian cuisine, celebrating Chef Vikas and his team’s talent and passion! Heartiest congratulations! Feels so, so proud!”

Chef Ranveer Brar called it a milestone for Indian cuisine globally, saying, “In such a short time, it’s a victory for Vikas, it’s a victory for Indian cuisine, and for me, it’s a global breakthrough for our food.”

The Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award highlights Bungalow’s excellence in offering delicious cuisine at a reasonable price.

“Chef Vikas Khanna has struck out on his own at this warm and welcoming dining room where pale pink walls, colorful murals, and a bar with carved panels set a stunning tone. It’s always bustling and securing a reservation may be difficult, with diners eagerly lining up early to snag a walk-in spot,” says the Michelin website.

“Once you’ve found a seat, start with one of their unique cocktails (think turmeric-infused tequila and chili-infused mezcal), then tuck into contemporary Indian cuisine that showcases the diverse culinary traditions of India’s 28 states. The kitchen’s talent shines in standout dishes like the five cheese kulcha (stuffed flatbread) and yogurt kebabs wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry and served with a bright pickled cabbage puree and spicy mango coulis.”

The Bib Gourmand Award recognizes restaurants that provide exceptional quality at reasonable prices. While Michelin Stars honor fine dining, Bib Gourmand celebrates establishments offering a three-course meal at accessible rates, with a focus on recognizable ingredients and satisfying flavors.

The award criteria vary by region, factoring in local cost-of-living standards, but the emphasis remains consistent: delivering outstanding food without the premium price tag. According to the Michelin Guide, dining at a Bib Gourmand restaurant leaves patrons feeling that they’ve eaten well at excellent value.