Chef Vikas Khanna’s New York restaurant wins Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award: ‘Like a promise to my land, my people’

Congratulatory messages poured in from across fields, with many calling him the “pride of India” and saying that he continues to be the best. One wrote, “Congratulations chef,” while another, “Happy tears ❤️❤️❤️❤️ immmmmmmense love to you chef”.

Expressing her joy, Chef Shipra Khanna told indianexpress.com: “Chef Vikas Khanna’s restaurant ‘ Bungalow’ receiving the Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award is a shining moment for Indian cuisine, celebrating Chef Vikas and his team’s talent and passion! Heartiest Congratulations! Feels so so proud!”

Chef Ranveer Brar called it a victory for Indian cuisine globally and told indianexpress.com: “In such a short time, it’s a victory for Vikas, it’s a victory for Indian cuisine, and for me, it’s a global breakthrough for our food.”

The Bungalow is known for its delicate presentation, which adds a twist to staple Indian dishes. From dal and Banarasi poori aloo to seekh kebab, the menu features some of the country’s best-known dishes.

All about Bib award

According to the Michelin Guide website, Michelin covers gourmet restaurants and “best value for money restaurants” that offer a “three-course meal at a reasonable price” called the Bib Gourmand.

This is what makes Michelin Star restaurants different from Bib gourmand restaurants.

Chef Vikas Khanna does India proud (Source: PR Handout)

According to the site, the price limit for Bib Gourmand consideration “varies from country to country”, depending on the cost of living, but the inspectors “search for the same high quality, wherever they happen to be in the world”.

Interestingly, Bib restaurants have similar cooking styles and are rooted in the basic, staple way of life. According to the site, the ingredients are “recognisable and easy to eat. “A Bib Gourmand restaurant will also leave you with a sense of satisfaction at having eaten so well at such a reasonable price,” it reads.

 

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The Michelin Guide website introduces the restaurant on its page and mentions that Chef Vikas Khanna has struck out on his own at this warm and welcoming dining room, where pale pink walls, colourful murals, and a bar with carved panels set a stunning tone.

“It’s always bustling, and securing a reservation may be difficult, with diners eagerly lining up early to snag a walk-in spot. Once you’ve found a seat, start with one of their unique cocktails (think turmeric-infused tequila and chilli-infused mezcal), then tuck into contemporary Indian cuisine that showcases the diverse culinary traditions of India’s 28 states. The kitchen’s talent shines in standout dishes like the five cheese kulcha (stuffed flatbread) and yogurt kebabs wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry and served with a bright pickled cabbage puree and spicy mango coulis.”