Vikas Khanna - Chef , Filmmaker & Humanitarian

About Vikas Khanna

Vikas Khanna is a distinguished Gastronomy & Cultural Diplomacy leader based in New York City, United States.Vikas Khanna is an Indian-born chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, filmmaker and humanitarian who trained at Manipal (hotel management) and the Culinary Institute of America before establishing a long career in New York and internationally. He founded Junoon (New York) and later opened restaurants including Kinara (Dubai), Ellora (Dubai) and Bungalow (New York). Khanna is known for Michelin-level fine dining work (Junoon held a Michelin star during its run), extensive publishing, television presenting (MasterChef India), filmmaking and large-scale humanitarian relief (Feed India / food drives).

Gastronomy & Cultural Diplomacy Expert in New York City

As a leading Gastronomy & Cultural Diplomacy professional in New York City, United States,Vikas Khanna has made significant contributions to the field.

Achievements and Awards

• Feed India / COVID-19 Relief - large scale food relief - 2020: Led the Feed India campaign during COVID-19 lockdowns, media reports cite milestone distributions (see sources).
• Founder - Junoon (NY) and other restaurants - 2009 (Junoon opened): Opened Junoon in Manhattan (a Michelin-starred Indian fine-dining restaurant while active), subsequently opened Kinara (2019), Ellora (2020) and Bungalow (2024).
• MasterChef India - Judge / Presenter (television) - 2011–present (multiple seasons): Host/judge on multiple seasons of MasterChef India (seven seasons verified).

Professional Experience

• Founder / Chef (founding chef partner) at Junoon (2009–Present (restaurant lifespan, Michelin-star period earlier)): Upscale Indian restaurant in Manhattan that was awarded a Michelin star during its run.
• Founder at Kinara (Dubai) (2019–Present): Restaurant in Dubai launched by Vikas Khanna.
• Founder at Ellora (Dubai) (2020–Present): Restaurant in Dubai launched by Vikas Khanna.
• Founder at Bungalow (New York) (2024–Present): Restaurant opened in East Village, New York (won MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2024).

Media Appearances

• Feature: Michelin-starred chef feeding India amid COVID-19 - Al Jazeera, 2020-07-15

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