Chef Vikas Khanna brings nostalgia and modernity to New York with Bungalow

Chef Vikas Khanna is a global icon in the culinary world. After bringing Indian cuisine to the international spotlight with his first venture, ‘Junoon’, in collaboration with entrepreneur Rajesh Bhardwaj, the acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and filmmaker introduces his latest masterpiece, Bungalow, in New York City. This restaurant serves as a heartfelt tribute to his roots, culture, and deeply personal journey.

Recently, the restaurant has earned a remarkable new accolade. It was recently recognised with a "Bib Gourmand" by the prestigious Michelin Guide — an honour awarded to restaurants that deliver exceptional value for money.

Concept behind Bungalow

Opened in March in 2024 in partnership with restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi of the Bombay House hospitality group, the restaurant pays homage to India’s bygone era and celebrates its rich club culture. Set in a space reminiscent of a British Raj-style bungalow, it is also a heartfelt tribute to Chef Vikas Khanna’s late sister, Radhika, who passed away in 2022. The restaurant menu showcases the essence of India, from elegantly reimagined street food flavours to cocktails infused with Indian-inspired notes.

Here's a sneak peek into the menu, featuring innovative dishes inspired by regional Indian flavours with contemporary twists.

Daal Bungalow

A signature offering at Chef Vikas Khanna's restaurant, this preparation elevates traditional lentils with a luxurious twist. Slow cooked to perfection, the daal is simmered with aromatic spices, rich ghee, and a hint of smokiness, reminiscent of the homestyle flavours found in Indian bungalows of the past.

Yoghurt Kebab

It’s hung curd with ginger and dates wrapped in vermicelli, and The New York Times named ‘yogurt kebab’ as one of the best dishes of 2024. According to its review, this kebab feels like a magic trick: crisp shreds of kataifi encase warm, spiced yoghurt that oozes as you bite into it, with a flavour that flits between sweet and savoury. The cabbage purée underneath is refreshingly tart, and its whimsical lavender hue only adds to the sense that this is more alchemy than cooking. 

Chicken Anarkali

This is a reimagined take on the classic chicken tikka with the Chef’s touch. His version draws inspiration from the Dogra cuisine of Jammu, using pomegranate in three distinct ways: as a fresh brine, a Middle Eastern-style molasses glaze, and a chutney made with mint and pomegranate seeds, much like the one you’d find in a traditional home.

Rose Kulfi

Khanna also unveiled the first dish from Bungalow’s menu, drawing inspiration from the iconic Mani Ratnam film Roja. In Tamil, "Roja" translates to rose or delicate, and the dish beautifully embodies this essence. It features a candied rose petal kulfi paired with butterfly pea rabri, Kashmiri rose and pistachio bark, and a drizzle of fragrant rose-kewra syrup, offering a harmonious blend of flavours and aesthetics.

Have you heard of any other showstopper dishes of Bungalow? Tell us in the comment section.