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Chef Vikas Khanna hailed as ‘global culinary icon’ by NY governor
Khanna's journey from Amritsar to New York was highlighted.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Fri, 15, May 2026
- 04:15 EDT
- 21
Chef Vikas Khanna and Governor Kathy Hochul posing with the resolution / Vikas Khanna via X
Indian American celebrity chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna was recognized by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as part of New York state's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations.
Recognizing Khanna for his artistic and culinary contributions, Khanna was awarded a special citation at the state capital, Albany.
Khanna, a celebrated chef, made New York City his home, where he rose to international fame as the executive chef and owner of Bungalow in New York City.
In New York, he established himself as a culinary icon, blending Indian flavors with modern techniques while also serving as a judge on "MasterChef India" and authoring multiple bestselling cookbooks.
Also Read: 5 Indian Americans on TIME100 Most Influential People of 2026
Honoring Khanna's journey from Amritsar to New York, the citation described him as a "global culinary icon."
Sharing the news of the citation, Khanna said on Instagram, "To be the first Indian to be honored by New York state during AAPI Heritage Month makes this celebration even more meaningful."
He continued, "This is a moment in history where I see our stories being celebrated, our culture being recognized, and India’s voice finding its rightful place on the global stage. Humans took only several thousand years to realize spices, stories, and traditions from India might actually matter."
In his acceptance speech, Khanna highlighted New York's place as a city that "thrives and becomes the beacon of hope for the world" because it protects the most vulnerable.
Khanna continued, "And in this city, most of the time, it's the immigrants who are the most vulnerable. This can only happen, which is said many times when stories get buried, it's because all those buried seeds are right here, growing into plants."
Khanna hailed Hochul and the attendees for bringing an Indian chef to the table and described the moment as a "representation that our (immigrants') stories matter, our culture matters," and not just a personal achievement.
Khanna's recognition by the New York governor comes nearly a month after he was named to the prestigious 2026 TIME100 list of the world's most influential people, making him the first Indian chef to receive the global recognition.
He was featured in the Innovators category for his transformative impact on global cuisine, philanthropy and cultural diplomacy through Indian food.
Khanna dedicated the honor to his family, Indian culinary heritage and everyone who supported his journey from Amritsar to New York.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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