VIKAS KHANNA'S MANY CAREERS

Michelin star chef, prolific food writer, novelist, film-maker, philanthropist, social media star — there is very little the Amritsar-born and bred former Taj and Oberoi executive does not do

- Murali Menon

Vikas Khanna has a lot on his plate, but it would appear he wouldn’t have it any other way. As if everything that he has not done is not enough, he recently launched his line of perfumes. The most visible face of Indian culture and culinary heritage in the US is also toying with the idea of introducing some “amazing Indian coffees” there. And, for the first time in his career, the former executive chef of the New York-based Junoon, which earned the Michelin star for eight consecutive years from 2010, is readying for the launch of a casual dining restaurant.

“The pandemic has changed our mindset. I was once obsessed with four-hour tasting menus, but, you know, truffles and caviar will look out of place now. People need food their grandmas made; they are looking for comfort and security after enduring two years of pain. No one is thinking of Michelin-starred chefs right now,” Khanna tells me over a Zoom call from a bitterly cold New York.