Indian Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna has carved an illustrious career in the culinary world, but his latest triumph, Bungalow, holds an incredibly profound place in his heart.
Located in New York, the restaurant was recently recognised with the Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award, proving its quality and value. Yet, Bungalow’s story is as much about food as love, loss, and resilience.
Khanna’s sister, Radhika Khanna, who passed away in 2022 after a long battle with lupus, was the driving force behind Bungalow’s conception. The chef shared how Radhika’s vision shaped every detail of the restaurant, even as she faced her final days.
“She wanted it to be a deeper restaurant,” he told CNN, emphasising her insistence that Bungalow be a place of warmth, inclusion, and authenticity. Radhika, a celebrated fashion designer, author, and entrepreneur, personally planned most of the decor and ambience from her deathbed, leaving an indelible mark on its identity. “Many big artefacts of the restaurant were planned, commissioned on the death bed at Columbia Hospital, and this kept her going,” he said.
Khanna revealed that Radhika’s guidance continues to inspire the ethos of Bungalow. Recalling a poignant memory from 2003, he described a birthday outing where they were turned away from meeting the chef at a luxury restaurant because they hadn’t ordered the “tasting menu.”
“She said, ‘I failed,’” Khanna recounted, calling the moment “the best birthday gift” because it reminded him to always prioritise humility. Before her passing, Radhika made him promise never to be a chef who made people feel unwelcome. Her words became a guiding principle for Khanna, shaping Bungalow as a space where everyone feels valued. “I might not be there to see this, but you will not be that chef…We had great food in that restaurant, but we were made to feel less. ‘Un-restaurant’ yourself,” he said quoting her.
Bungalow, Khanna insists, is more than a restaurant—it’s a living tribute to his sister and her philosophy. He affectionately calls it his “daughter,” describing its energy as feminine and imbued with ‘shakti’ (woman power).
“This is not my narrative,” he explained. “I was not like this until I experienced loss of that magnitude.” For Khanna, Bungalow’s success is a continuation of Radhika’s legacy, blending culinary excellence with a deep commitment to human connection.
Discover the Benefits of Our Subscription!
Stay informed with access to our award-winning journalism.
Avoid misinformation with trusted, accurate reporting.
Make smarter decisions with insights that matter.
Choose your subscription package
📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram