Vikas Khanna's entrepreneurial rendezvous with food

Celebrity Chef

Vikas Khanna is an award winning, Michelin Starred Indian chef, restaurateur and food writer. Vikas’s romance with food began at a young age when he started his own banquet and catering business, Lawrence Gardens, at the age of 17. Since then there has been no looking back for this suave chef, also voted in the list of Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine.

Professional Journey

In 1991, he graduated from the prestigious Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration and went on to train under renowned chefs at Taj Group of Hotels, Oberoi Hotels, Leela Group and many more. He further attended the Culinary Institute of America, Cornell University and New York University and the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, Paris to hone his skills and knowledge.

His tryst with Television began in 2006 when he appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s show Kitchen Nightmares. It was almost a life changing experience as people suddenly took notice. Vikas finally started his own restaurant on Dec 2nd, 2010, in Manhattan, New York, called Junoon which went on to earn a Michelin star within the first 10 months of its opening. He gave India its first Michelin starred chef and put Indian cuisine on the world map. Vikas is also the host and judge of the TV shows MasterChef India and Junior MasterChef India. He also hosts a travel show Twist of Taste on Fox Traveller.

Vikas’s love for food did not stop at cooking and extended itself to the literary world. He has authored several books including – “The Spice Story of India”, “Modern Indian Cooking”, “Flavors First” and other cookbooks. In 2012, his cookbook “Flavors First” won the Benjamin Franklin Award. He is also the founder of Cooking for Life and SAKIV Organizations which host gastronomic events around the world in support of different relief efforts.

He was also honored with the prestigious “Access to Freedom Award” in 2005 from SATH, previously awarded to George W. Bush and HRH Prince Charles. Recently he has also received a proclamation from the Council of the City of New York for his outstanding contribution to the city, and was chosen New Yorker of the Week by NY1.

At a high point in his life, this New York based Indian chef has high aims for his culinary life ahead and we wish him a deliciously bright life ahead.

Originally appeared on Economic Times. Content courtesy 10 Minutes to 1