Rewind, reheat, taste, repeat

For anyone tracking the food scene, 2024 has been a year of spectacular highs. See which chefs, restaurants and trends made the cut and will shape the year to come

- VIR SANGHVI

What a year in food it's been! Indian restaurants have shone abroad. And within the country, our restaurants have demonstrated creativity and flair.

Here's my recap of the best of the year in food and of the people who made it happen.

Star of the year: Vikas Khanna

Vikas was already India's best-known chef, but the opening of Bungalow in New York City was an enormous risk. He chose the world's most competitive restaurant city. He also wanted to give Indian fans a place to treat as their own.

Bungalow has been full since the day it opened. The New York Times gave it three stars, something it has not done for any Indian restaurant in this century. On any given night, the majority of guests at Bungalow are Indians. I reckon he'll get a Michelin star at Bungalow next year. And his life will have come full circle.

Phenomenon of the Year: Bastian

Bastian is a Mumbai restaurant that opened some years ago, with Kelvin Cheung as the chef. It was an instant success, but it was still regarded as a suburban phenomenon. It has since also opened in midtown locations, moved away from focusing on a single chef, and has become the most successful restaurant ever in Mumbai.

Bastian is expanding to Bengaluru, Pune and other cities. The group will open an Asian restaurant soon.

Chef of the year: Hussain Shahzad