December 11, 2024: Renowned celebrity chef Vikas Khanna recently had the honor of hosting Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan at his highly acclaimed New York restaurant, Bungalow, marking a special and emotional moment for both. The evening was a celebration of their shared love for Indian culture and cuisine, as well as a testament to Khanna’s successful journey in the culinary world.
Bungalow, which opened in March 2024, has already made waves in New York’s vibrant dining scene, offering an innovative twist on traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant recently earned the prestigious Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination for food lovers. In a short span, the restaurant has attracted some of India’s biggest stars, including Mukesh Ambani, Priyanka Chopra, and now, Shah Rukh Khan.
For Chef Vikas Khanna, the opportunity to host his idol, Shah Rukh Khan, at Bungalow was a deeply emotional experience. Reflecting on the moment, Khanna shared his feelings on social media, expressing how grateful and honored he was to welcome the superstar into his culinary space. He wrote, “SRK has been my hero for many reasons. His voice, his persona, and the way he treats everyone with respect—he is a true icon.”
In his heartfelt post, Khanna also reminisced about watching Shah Rukh Khan’s films, like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), with his sister as a young boy. The actor’s charisma, confidence, and kindness had left a lasting impact on him. “To hold back my tears, I looked up at the glass ceiling and saw the clear crescent of the moon watching over me,” Khanna wrote, describing the emotional moment of hosting the man he had admired for years.
During their time together, Shah Rukh Khan shared a moving message with Chef Vikas, saying, “Bungalow represents us. Our parents, our ancestors, our India.” This resonated deeply with Khanna, who has always strived to bring the flavors and soul of India to the global stage.
In another emotional post on December 10, Chef Vikas Khanna celebrated the restaurant’s achievement of receiving the Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award, describing the honor as more than just a professional milestone. “It was like a tribute, it was like a promise to my land and to my people. To my sister,” he wrote, acknowledging the emotional significance of the recognition. This win, he said, was not just about the restaurant, but about honoring his roots and the legacy of Indian hospitality.
Khanna’s journey from his humble beginnings in Amritsar to becoming a globally recognized chef has been nothing short of inspiring. Over the years, he has broken barriers in the culinary world, introducing Indian cuisine to international audiences, cooking for dignitaries like Barack Obama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and The Dalai Lama. His work continues to make a significant impact, with Bungalow now adding another chapter to his extraordinary career.
In addition to Shah Rukh Khan’s visit, Bungalow has also attracted global stars like Priyanka Chopra, who visited the restaurant with her husband Nick Jonas and friends. Priyanka shared her experience on social media, thanking Chef Vikas Khanna for offering her a “taste of home.”
With Bungalow now firmly established as a premier dining destination in New York, Chef Vikas Khanna is committed to continuing his journey of excellence, creating memorable experiences for guests, and furthering the global appreciation of Indian cuisine.
