At Bungalow, Chef Vikas Khanna Turns New York Into a Temple of Indian Tradition—One Sacred Dish at a Time
When I visited the restaurant Bungalow with my family, I expected a great meal—but what we experienced was something far deeper. From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in the soft fragrance of incense and marigold, the warmth of curated lighting, and the quiet hum of reverence in the air. It wasn’t just dinner—it was a journey through memory, culture, and emotion.
What touched us most was seeing Chef Vikas Khanna himself—humble, kind, and present—serving dishes with his own hands, many of them rooted in his beloved grandmother’s recipes. Every plate told a story. Every flavor held a memory. And every corner of the space—from the artwork to the utensils—whispered a piece of India’s rich soul.
And as I learned, this isn’t just his project—it’s his sister Radha’s dream that he is living, honoring her spirit with each ritual, each recipe, and each story. That made the experience all the more profound.
In a quiet corner of New York City, there’s a place that doesn’t just serve food—it serves memory, ritual, and reverence. That place is Bungalow. And at its heart stands Vikas Khanna—Michelin-starred chef, filmmaker, humanitarian, and above all, a humble storyteller of India.
Bungalow is not a restaurant.
It is a sacred space.
A living, breathing tribute to India’s soul—crafted with devotion and detail.
Every marigold petal, every lit incense stick, every dish kissed with heritage—nothing is by chance. Vikas has poured his heart, discipline, and poetry into Bungalow. From saffron-laced ladoos to cold coffee mousse inspired by rangolis, every element is steeped in personal memory, mythology, and artistry.
“I don’t want to just serve food,” he says. “I want to serve stories.”
And he does. Each morning begins with 8 drops of holy Mother Ganges water at the threshold. Each tasting menu is a soulful journey through forgotten lanes of Banaras, Amritsar, and Chettinad. Bungalow is Vikas’s India—the one he was raised in, the one he carries with him, the one he’s quietly reintroducing to the world.
This is why he rarely steps away from it.
“Bungalow is my calling,” he says. “Not a job. A sacred offering.”
But when he does step out—like in his upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime workshop inspired by a conversation with Mrs. Nita Ambani—it becomes a moment of national pride. Because Vikas Khanna isn’t just plating dishes. He’s preserving traditions. He’s building legacies. He’s placing India on the global map—with humility, grace, and unmatched precision.
Vikas Khanna doesn’t just cook.
He remembers.
And through Bungalow, he makes sure we remember too.
About the Author
Seema Govil, a Versatile Leader: Bridging the Worlds of Franchise Consulting, Media, and Philanthropy as the Founder and CEO of Cosmo City Media. For franchising help, contact Seema at Seema@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.











