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10 New Restaurants In Pune To Check Out This August, Including A Boho Cafe & A Dream Lakeside Spot!

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A new month means exploring new restaurants, and it looks like Pune’s culinary scene is sizzling this August! The city has a fresh lineup of Instagrammable hotspots offering delicious food and good vibes. Whether you’re looking for a new dessert bar or a cosy eatery by the lake, these 10 new restaurants are a must-try in Pune.

10 New Restaurants To Try In Pune In August

1. Beanery Cafe & Eatery

Image Courtesy: Beanery Cafe & Eatery

At this new cafe on SB Road, modern European flavours meet rustic boho vibes! This Instagrammable place is perfect for slow brunches, soulful brews, and unhurried conversations. You cannot miss out on their Agli Olio Pasta, Lychee Cold Brew Coffee, and Burnt Basque Cheesecake. They also have a live coffee-making counter where they brew your drink as per your choice!

Where: Beside Chaturshrungi Temple, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune
When: 11 AM – 11 PM
Cost: ₹1,500 (For two)

Also Read: Konkan Railway’s Ro-Ro Service Gets Only One Booking In A Week, Ahead Of Ganeshotsav

2. The Lakehouse

Handcrafted cocktails, lingering lunches over the weekend, dinners with a view, this serene new restaurant in Pune offers all this and more! The Lakehouse is set by a lake, and you can enjoy drool-worthy grub and cocktails with unfiltered views of the sunset here. The place is perfect to let your hair down and enjoy a cosy evening with your partner or friends.

Where: Amanora The Fern Hotels & Club, Magarpatta Rd, Hadapsar, Pune
When: 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM (weekdays) & 12:30 PM – 11:30 PM (weekends)

3. I.Y.K. – An Authentic Experience

K-drama lovers, this one is for you! A brainchild of Tanzil and his K-pop fan wife Ashra, I.Y.K. lets you enjoy Korean food and make it too! You can pick ramen and condiments of your choice, along with a drink, and then head to the cooking counter to make your meal, just like you see in K-dramas! You can also try other Korean dishes and drinks here, so make sure you visit this new restaurant in Pune soon!

Where: Kohinoor Glory, B-15, Mohammed Wadi, Pune
When: 1 PM – 12 AM
Cost: ₹1,000 (For two)

4. Cafe PNQ

If you love coffee, then we have found just the place for your next caffeine run! Cafe PNQ in Kothrud offers speciality coffee with a menu filled with specially curated food that goes perfectly with it! The Bakarwadi Burrata Salad, Kala Masala Fried Chicken Sandwich, and Goad toast are some dishes you just can’t miss at this place.

Where: Swapnali Apartments, Late GA Kulkarni Path, Kothrud, Pune
When: 8 AM – 11 PM
Cost: ₹1,500 (For two)

Also Read: Mumbai Metro Red Line: Route, Stations & All You Need To Know About This Line Opening By 2026-End

5. Coast & Co.

Image Courtesy: Coast & Co.

If you love seafood, then the newly opened Coast & Co. in Pune deserves all your attention. Located in the heart of Aundh, this restaurant boasts boho, earthy decor, and the irresistible aroma of spices will greet you the moment you step in. You cannot miss out on the Shimple Malwani Tawa, Crab Lemon Butter Galik, Prawns Sri Lankan Curry, and Kokambadi Wade here.

Where: Opp. Pubmatic, near Westend Mall, Parihar Chowk, Aundh, Pune
When: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM & 7 PM – 11:30 PM

6. Miya Kebabs

Mumbai’s famous Miya Kebabs have landed in Pune! After treating foodies in Mumbai with their juicy kebabs, rolls, and shawarmas, they have finally brought their speciality to Pune, and we are loving it! Don’t miss out on their Changezi Chicken Tikka, Mutton Seekh Kebab, and Dynamite Chicken Tangdi for a flavourful ride.

Where: Shop No. 5, Meera Nagar Garden Society, Meera Nagar, Koregaon Park, Pune
When: 1 PM – 11:30 PM
Cost: ₹600 (For two)

7. Gulp – Beer Garden

Pune has a new beer garden on FC Road, and the beer lover in us is loving it! You can pair your fresh off the tap beer with some Kerala Style Prawns, Cashew Chilli Chicken, or Paneer Tikka with Hummus, and you’re good to go.

Where: Ashish Plaza Backyard, Fergusson College Rd, Shivajinagar, Pune
When: 12 PM – 12 AM
Cost: ₹1,100 (For two)

Also Read: After Prada’s ‘Inspired’ Design, Kolhapuri Chappals Add QR Codes To Prove Origin And Preserve Legacy

8. Una Gelato

Dessert lovers, Pune has a new gelato spot and you just can’t miss it! Una Gelato crafts their gelatos in-house, and they aren’t afraid to experiment with bold, new flavours. So, chances are you will find a new flavour or two on every visit! So far, their Tiramisu, Black Sesame, and Banana Lime gelato flavours have been winning hearts of the Punekars, so do try them out.

Where: SR No. 26, Rahoul Terrace Co-op Society, Koregaon Park, Pune
When: 11 AM – 12 AM

9. Zypher’s

Looks like boho is the theme for August in the city! Zypher’s is a new restaurant in Pune that has caught our attention with its scrumptious food and lip-smacking drinks menu. You can enjoy Blue Pea Iced Latte, Iced Cocoa, or Iced Tiramisu Latte with some Sundried Tomatoes & Burrata Pizza or Nawabi Paneer Tikka here for a flavoursome ride.

Where: 5, Park Arcade, Park Street, Wakad, Pune
When: 10 AM – 11 PM

10. Rameshwar Cafe

Image Courtesy: Instagram/rameshwar.cafe

South Indian food lovers, you’ll be happy to know that Rameshwar Cafe has opened a new outlet in Sahakar Nagar. So, if you’re craving some crispy dosas and fluffy idlis, then head to their new outlet as they open doors at 7 in the morning, making it the perfect place for a delicious breakfast.

Where: Shop No. 9, Pacific Heights, Sahakar Nagar, Pune
When: 7 AM – 10 PM
Cost: ₹400 (For two)

Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/thelakehouseamanora & Instagram/zyphers.india

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First Published: July 31, 2025 6:28 PM





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9 New Restaurants In Delhi You’ll Want To Bookmark This August

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If you thought Delhi’s food scene couldn’t get more exciting, think again. Whether you’re in the mood for India’s forgotten recipes or dreaming of a slice of Naples or a live-made tiramisu, these newly opened spots have you covered. Here’s your delicious guide to the hottest new restaurants in Delhi you absolutely need to check out this August.

Best New Restaurants In Delhi This August

1. Matram

If you love Indian food and want to experience it in a brand-new way, Matram in Dwarka is a must-visit. Matram is the first chef-driven fine-dining restaurant in Dwarka, and it’s already making headlines. The man behind the idea is Shubh Sharma, who also created popular places like Mayfair and Cafe Di Milano. The food here is led by Chef Suresh Fartyal, who has 24 years of experience and a deep love for Indian cuisine. The menu includes exciting dishes like Gunpowder Podi Idli with Coconut Espuma, Kundapur Chicken Ghee Roast, Watermelon Panchporan, and Rum-Spiced Tiger Prawns. The vibe is warm, the service is top-notch, and the presentation is stunning.

Where: Reliance Mall, Plot No 1, adjacent to Mayfair Restro Bar, Sector 13, Dwarka, New Delhi
When: 12 pm – 12 am
Cost: ₹1,500 (For two)

2. Organic Bistro

Image Courtesy: Supplied

If you’ve been looking for a place where you can eat healthy without sacrificing flavour, Organic Bistro in Khan Market is going to be your new favourite. This charming new spot is all about using natural, seasonal, and organic ingredients to create food that’s both wholesome and exciting. The menu is full of surprises, like Purple Potato Dahi Vada, Peri Peri Chickpea Hummus, and Jackfruit Haleem. There’s also a delicious Portobello Mushroom with Achari Rajma Khichri, and a must-try Jackfruit Biryani. Even the drinks are healthy and fun, with cold-pressed juices, organic smoothies, and teas without any preservatives.

Where: 38, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi
When: 11 am – 11 pm
Cost: ₹1,600 (For two)

3. Si Nonna’s

Pizza lovers, this one’s for you! Si Nonna’s, India’s favourite sourdough pizza brand, has finally opened in Gurugram. Known for their slow-fermented sourdough crusts and rich Italian flavours, Si Nonna’s has already become a go-to spot in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. Now, Gurugram joins the list with its brand-new outlet in Sector 71. Some of their most loved options include Pizza No. 2 (tomato, mozzarella, basil) and Pizza No. 3 (with olives, capers, oregano). The menu also features Panuozzo sandwiches, fresh focaccia, kombuchas, gelato, and their absolutely iconic Nonna’s Tiramisu

Where: Ground Floor, Urban Cubes 71, Sector 71, Gurugram
When: 11 am – 11 pm
Cost: ₹1,500 (For two)

4. Mi Piaci

If you’ve ever dreamed of dining like you’re in Italy, then Mi Piaci is calling your name. Founded by Lorenzo Lanzoni and Harsh Rathore, along with hospitality giant Priyank Sukhija, Mi Piaci brings an all-Italian team to Delhi. What’s amazing is how everything is made in front of you. Fresh pasta, tossed live on your table. You’ll also love their rooftop bar with soft Italian music and signature cocktails like Basil Spritz and Tirami (a cocktail twist on their dessert).

Where: Ward no 1, Ambawatta One, Second Floor, Property No H 5/3, H 5/4 (Back Side, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi
When: 7 pm – 1 am

Also Read: 12 New Restaurants In Mumbai Featuring Exciting Flavours And Menus You Can’t Miss This August

5. Libertario Coffee

If you love your coffee with a story, then Libertario Coffee in GK2 is a must-visit. This new café is the first Indian outpost of a beloved Colombian coffee brand, brought to life by Arushi Mehra and her husband, Miguel, who has deep Colombian roots. Libertario offers a beautiful space with warm interiors and attention to every little detail. Try their Paz blend for something caramel-chocolatey, or Libre for fruity notes. They even serve rare, exotic beans like Geisha and Bourbon Sidra. The food menu has been designed specially to pair with these unique coffees, and it brings global flavours with a local twist.

Where: M – 52, Ground Floor, Greater Kailash Part 2, New Delhi
When: 8 am – 11 pm

6. The Qube At The Leela Palace New Delhi

The Qube at The Leela Palace is back, and it’s more stunning than ever. The restaurant has been completely redesigned to combine global cuisine, visual art, and top-tier hospitality, all under one glamorous roof. The à la carte dinner menu by Chef Ashmeet Singh Jolly is a standout. And in the evenings, don’t miss the special Thai dining studio led by Chef Krung Thong. What makes this new restaurant in Delhi a must-try this August is the giant digital art wall, where artworks from Indian artists change throughout the day, setting the mood while you dine. 

Where: Africa Ave, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
When: 6:30 am – 11:30 pm
Cost: ₹3,500 (For two)

7. Latango

Latango is Delhi’s newest European bar and restaurant, and it’s already creating quite the buzz. Created by Sahil Sambhi (the name behind popular spots like Japonico and Vietnom), Latango brings the best of Europe to your plate and your glass. Italian chefs lead the kitchen, turning out perfect plates of seafood tagliolini, French-style omelettes, and creamy tiramisu that melts in your mouth. But what truly sets Latango apart is its cocktail menu. Designed like letters from Europe, each drink tells a story. The space itself is sleek and modern, with an open kitchen and glass bar that adds drama and beauty to your evening.

Where: 01 Epicuria, TDI South Bridge, METRO STATION, GROUND FLOOR, Unit No S, Nehru Place, New Delhi
When: 12 pm – 5 pm; 7 pm – 3 am
Cost: ₹5,000 (For two)

8. Le Café At The Chanakya

With its elegant design and calming vibe, this café is perfect whether you want a quick pastry break or a full sit-down meal. Le Café is divided into four amazing sections. First, there’s the pastry and bread counter with buttery croissants. Next is the live kitchen, where you can watch chefs cook risottos, burgers, and DIY pizzas right in front of you. Then there’s a salad and sandwich bar, and finally, there’s a pasta station. The space is relaxed, the ingredients are premium, and every detail feels thoughtfully done.

Where: The Chanakya, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi

9. MIRA’S

Image Courtesy: Supplied

MIRA’S is one of those places that makes you feel instantly at ease. The food is a blend of European cooking with Indian freshness. Think barley and avocado salad, burrata with sweet pepper jam, lamb kebabs with creamy hummus, and their cheeky Peppa Pig pizza, loaded with pepperoni, bacon, jalapeños, and hot honey. Their bakehouse is a thing of beauty too. The interiors are soft, warm, and designed for lingering, with quiet nooks, cosy lighting, and even a little bookshelf for readers.

Where: 13-B, Defence Colony Market, New Delhi
When: 11 am – 7 pm
Cost: ₹1,800 (For two)

Which one of these new restaurants in Delhi are you planning to try this August?

Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.

First Published: August 01, 2025 9:18 PM





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10 Newly-Opened Restaurants In Kolkata You Cannot Miss This August

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When it comes to food, Kolkata never disappoints! Whether you’re in the mood for some comforting baked goodies, experimental fusion dishes, or just need a new place to grab coffee with your friends, the city has plenty of new spots to explore. From aesthetic interiors to menus packed with flavour, here are 10 new restaurants in Kolkata that deserve a spot on your August must-visit list.

10 New Restaurants To Visit In Kolkata In August

1. Cafe Florista

Image Courtesy: Instagram/cafeflorista.kol

After dazzling foodies in Park Street, Cafe Florista has now opened its doors to a brand new outlet in Salt Lake! At this floral wonderland, you can enjoy delectable cocktails, delicious food, and snap countless selfies, because, quite frankly, the interiors are simply irresistible.

Where: City Center 1, Salt Lake, Kolkata
When: 12 PM – 12 AM
Cost: ₹1,500 (For two)

Also Read: From Jazbaa Ft. Singer Mohammed Irfan To Pottery For Couples; 10 Best Events To Attend In Kolkata This August

2. Herbs Cafe

Touted as Kolkata’s first wellness cafe, you will feel like you have been taken to a wellness retreat at this place in the city. You can sit on the deck and enjoy your coffee and food with a view, or get a table inside and take in the serenity this rustic place has to offer. The food here is made with clean ingredients and loaded with flavour, and the drinks pair well with it. The best part, however, has to be the views you can enjoy from the cafe–that’s unbeatable!

Where: Vedic Village, Kharibari Road, New Town, Kolkata
When: 11 AM – 10 PM
Cost: ₹1,000 (For two)

3. Hideaway

Image Courtesy: Instagram/hideawaykolkata

If you feel like escaping your mundane life after work/college for some time, then this new restaurant in Kolkata is just where you need to be. Hideaway is a hidden escape where you can enjoy craft coffee, live music, and, of course, delicious food. If you like flavourful drinks, then their mocktails menu is bound to make your heart happy.

Where: 8A, Janak Rd, Beside Lake Mall, Lake Market, Kolkata
When: 11 AM – 11 PM
Cost: ₹1,000 (For two)

4. Bunosilo Artisanal

If you love coffee, then you’ll be glad to know that Bunosilo Artisanal has now arrived in Salt Lake! This pet-friendly cafe offers a wide range of artisanal coffee, croissants, pizza, and pasta. Don’t forget to try out their Lotus Biscoff Pancakes to end your meal on a sweet note.

Where: Y-18, Block EP & GP, Street 15, Sector 5, Salt Lake, Kolkata
When: 8 AM – 9:45 PM
Cost: ₹800 (For two)

Also Read: The Temple Near Kolkata Is A 19th-Century Marvel With 13 Lotus-Shaped Spires & Tantric Human Anatomy Design

5. Thai Cafe & Kitchen

You don’t have to head to Thailand to enjoy the famous street food now because this new restaurant is bringing authentic Thai flavours to Kolkata! Thai Cafe & Kitchen’s Fried Shrimp with Tamarind Sauce, Lava Egg Cake, and Black Pepper Crab will transport your taste buds to Bangkok! So, if you’re feeling indulgent and wish to treat yourself with some authentic Thai grub, then this place is perfect for you.

Where: Beside Roy Dhaba, Tiljala, Kolkata
When: 12 PM – 10 PM
Cost: ₹900 (For two)

6. X and Y Express

After Salt Lake and Alipore, X and Y have opened another outlet on Hungerford Street, and our foodie soul is loving it! You cannot miss out on the Espresso Spritz, Iced Spanish Latte, Naka Worli Vada Pav, Chilli Oil Spaghetti, and Lebanese Bowl here. To satiate your sweet tooth, you can try out the Tiramisu and Apple pie with soft serve as well.

Where: 10E, Hungerford Street, Near St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
When: 10 AM – 10 PM
Cost: ₹1,200 (For two)

7. Bla Bla

At this new restaurant in Kolkata, jungle vibes meet Dubai glam to give you an experience you just don’t want to miss! Choose a spot on the rooftop to soak in the city skyline or settle indoors for a more cosy setting. The best part? This place opens till 4 in the morning–perfect for those late-night hunger pangs.

Where: 9/2H, 3rd Floor, Topsia Road South, Kolkata
When: 12 PM – 4 AM
Cost: ₹1,200 (For two)

Also Read: Kolkata’s Iconic Flurys Now Serving In Darjeeling; Sip Tea And Enjoy Their Classic Bakes Now In The Himalayas

8. La Luxe Lounge

Image Courtesy: Instagram/laluxeloungeofficial

Located in Kasba, La Luxe Lounge is a new restaurant in Kolkata that opens till 4 in the morning! With Instagrammable corners, triangle rooms & aesthetic corridors, this hidden gem deserves all your attention right now. Don’t forget to try out their Herb Crusted Fish, Butter Chicken Naan Boom, and Pesto Grilled Chicken–they are all amazing!

Where: 200/A, Rajdanga Nabapally Ln, Nabapally, Sector A, Kasba, Kolkata
When: 12 PM – 4 AM
Cost: ₹1,000 (For two)

9. Cosy Box

After Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, Cosy Box has arrived in Kolkata! Changing the dining and party scenes of Kolkata, this new restaurant is every party lover’s paradise! Serving Turkish, Asian, and European grub, this place has some amazing cocktails that you just can’t miss!

Where: 10th Floor, Celica Park, 24 Park Street, Kolkata
When: 12 PM – 12 AM
Cost: ₹2,500 (For two)

10. Boulevard Restaurant & Bar

From bold Oriental flavours to rich Indian classics, Boulevard Restaurant & Bar has something for all your cravings! What caught your eye? The viral and jiggly Capybara Pudding is on the menu here! So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out this new restaurant in Kolkata right away!

Where: Upohar Town Center, Chak Garia, Kolkata
When: 11 AM – 11 PM
Cost: ₹1,500 (For two)

Also Read: 5 Asian Countries You Can Reach From Kolkata Within 4 Hours

Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/bunosiloestate & Instagram/cafeflorista.kol

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.

First Published: August 01, 2025 6:51 PM





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Vikas Khanna’s New York Home Celebrates Indian Ingredients

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The interviews and reporting for this story were conducted in October 2024.

It is the last day of Navratri, the Hindu festival celebrated with great pomp and splendour over nine nights. The fireworks outside my window oblige with drumrolls for what promises to be an evening I will remember for years to come.

In the next few seconds, as Vikas Khanna — the internet’s beloved chef — takes a few seconds to unmute his mic and adjust his camera, giving me a clear view of him in his elegant New York City home, I can’t help but smile at this ‘pinch-me’ moment.

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Right from the outset, Khanna is chipper; no one (except probably the general manager at ‘Bungalow’, Sameer Bhatt) would guess he has pulled an all-nighter. Well into the wee hours of the morning, Khanna was attempting to replicate the intricate wings of a peacock’s feathers onto the surface of a piece of coconut barfi (Indian sweet).

Four decades of culinary experience ensured he aced the task. And now for replicating the same onto a hundred-odd pieces! Known to push the envelope, Khanna does justice to this reputation when he says, “I wanted each feather to be exactly alike.”

Sharing how the plumage was meant to be reminiscent of the mandirs (temples) in Indian homes, Khanna was keen that every guest at ‘Bungalow’ — his dream restaurant project launched in New York in March this year — return home that day with a box of coconut barfi, spot the delicate mor pankh (peacock feather), and smile.

Chef Vikas Khanna created ‘Bungalow’ in New York as an ode to street vendors of India and the food he grew up eating in Amritsar

He is positively brimming with joy to announce the barfis had the desired effect; as many Indian immigrants found themselves transported by the mini square-shaped time capsules from America to the epicentre of the festive madness in India.

Revered on the culinary circuit, Vikas Khanna’s prowess transcends the kitchen.

The multi-hyphenate has authored over 37 books — with his most recent ‘Imaginary Rain’ (2023) being turned into a Shabana Azmi starrer — has directed three films and two documentaries; been one of the judges at MasterChef India; and helmed several restaurants including New York’s iconic ‘Junoon’ — one of the first Indian restaurants to receive the coveted Michelin star.

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But despite this compelling bio, Khanna’s primary identifier is that of a proud Indian. And this is reflected in everything — from the tadka (spices heated in hot oil) that makes its way into his curries to the sparkle in his eyes when he speaks about life back in his beloved hometown, Amritsar.

For Vikas Khanna, all roads lead home

Khanna’s culinary mind has a lot to occupy it. Memories of serving the who’s who of the world — he has been the chef du jour multiple times for the Obama family, while also working closely with food mogul Gordon Ramsay — find space right next to nostalgic memories of binge sessions involving rounds of tikkis (potato patties) from ‘Mathura ki Tikki’ in Amritsar.

Among Chef Vikas Khanna’s fondest memories are those with his family and the time he spent in Amritsar, his hometown

“I distinctly remember how this [tikki] was the favourite snack of my cousins who would visit us from Kolkata and Mumbai. Nothing was done to make the potatoes crisp. Instead, they were fried to a great degree and then pressed on a hot tava (pan) laden with ghee. In the late 70s, each tikki was around Rs 20 — which was a lot of money! But the crispiness of those potatoes is very nostalgic for me. I still snack on them when I go to India,” shares Khanna.

You’d be interested to know that this spot is one of the seven distinguished ones dotting the ‘food map’ devised by Khanna’s mother to celebrate his homecoming. The locales are set in stone and nothing is up for debate.

Of course, her son’s global fame means the duo can no longer feast on tikkis and chaat (street food) in peace without 500-odd people thronging to get a glimpse of their favourite chef or (if they’re lucky) a selfie. And Khanna is ever-obliging, animatedly chatting up each vendor he visits. “After all, they were my foundation,” he smiles.

This perfectly segues his next thought, “We often take things for granted when we have them.”

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Chef Vikas Khanna treasures his earliest memories of feasting on the food prepared by his grandmother and mother — experiences that he will remember forever
Pictures from Chef Vikas Khanna’s growing-up years

A read between the lines tells me food is not the only thing on his mind. The women in Khanna’s life — his mother, grandmother, and sister — have been instrumental in the making of the man and chef he is; their love forms the bedrock of his childhood and youth.

“Many in my team are first-generation Indian Americans. When describing visits they made back home during their summer vacations, they refer to their grandmothers as ‘healers’ for the sheer magic their food evoked.” Khanna attributes this to the simplicity of things. “If you look at it, there was nothing attached to our grandmother’s food except for love; no expectation, no judgement. You were set free when having that food.”

The interiors of Bungalow have been done keeping Indian aesthetic in mind; the restaurant is an invitation to experience Indian culture

And today, the menu at Bungalow in East Village, New York, reflects these sensibilities. Time and again, the culinary virtuoso has reiterated how his latest — and last — gastronomic endeavour is an ode to the street vendors of India and the crafts they have perfected over generations. “I hail from a small town, a small community where street food was the only way. In my growing-up years, there was just one restaurant in Amritsar. But it was the food of street vendors that made us go ‘wow’,” he shares.

Borrowing from the English word for bangla (single-story home), coined during India’s colonial past, Bungalow is an invitation to experience history, culture, and exceptional cuisine. With a menu featuring a repository of time-honoured recipes documented from across India’s 28 states in all its diversity and hues, the space invites you to reimagine classics like never before.

Bungalow: A ‘home’ for Indian immigrants

Securing a reservation at this grand establishment is no easy feat, more so once the festive season in India sets in (October to December). Chef Vikas Khanna’s habit of going to lengths to recreate the Diwali magic is not lost on foodies.

Proof of this lies in my conversation with him. Stumped while trying to procure parijaat flowers (a common feature in Indian homes during Diwali), he was pleasantly surprised when a guest, observing his frenzy, made him his very own bunch of parijaat — from crochet! The flowers now occupy centre stage at the restaurant. Coupled with the sweet smells of their real counterparts that deck every nook, and the aromas of delicacies — including the Banarasi puri (a North-Indian snack) and baingan bharta (a dish made with roasted eggplants) — they create a semblance of festive cheer.

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The decor and interiors of Bungalow reflect Indian cultural sensibilities

Khanna has lived in America for over 25 years now. He’s clocked more milestones than his younger self ever dreamed possible. But in hindsight, he says it was a deep value system he traded this for. “We’ve lost the comfort of being around home. The Indians who come to Bungalow are those who have achieved so much beyond their comfort zones, but are ultimately looking for that emotional connection to something.” The storied restaurant, created in memory of his sister, is meant to fill that gaping hole in the lives of many immigrants.

The dish ‘Ammi’s Lamb Chops’ is served at Bungalow and is quite a hit with the restaurant’s patrons

“She [my sister] would always tell me that I had a sacred gift [cooking]. Through Bungalow, every Indian living in America can know that they have someone who is theirs.” Many a night when a youngster or silver-haired guest breaks down after biting into a mithai and being reminded of home, Khanna joins them at the table, shedding a silent tear of his own.

Because he too, like them, is reminded of the piece of his heart he has left back in India.

A global spotlight on indigenous ingredients

Do you think slow sustainable cooking has a bright future? I ask Khanna.

Lata Mangeshkar hamesha Lata Mangeshkar rahengi (There will always be something special about Lata Mangeshkar),” he replies, then falls silent, allowing the words to explain themselves.

The ‘Ghee Roasted Plantain’ is one of the specialities served on the Bungalow menu

It’s a fast-paced world, you’ll agree. But Khanna is a firm believer in time-tested concepts. At Bungalow, the food is not meant to sit still and look pretty but is an interlocutor, urging its patrons to take pride in their culture. “While mentoring youngsters, I tell them ‘Choose your destiny but choose the last point and then trace your steps back’.” He encourages them in the direction of elevating our native cuisine instead of wanting to popularise Western food — whose roots they aren’t as familiar with.

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“I have always maintained that it’s amazing to have successful businesses, but my only question is, what do you represent?” he remarks.

The ‘Yoghurt Kebabs’ (L) and the ‘Kokum Salmon’ (R) showcase how indigenous ingredients come through excellently in fusion recipes

Khanna’s culinary mood board is decked with the experiences he’s gained working across cities. The journey has been coloured with wins and losses, both vital to his roaring success. So, when guests remark on how his sandesh (a sweet made with milk, sugar and flavouring) mirrors the original Kolkata version, Khanna smiles. Whoever knew days spent writing letters to restaurants in Kolkata, requesting a chance to work with them; and multiple train journeys back and forth would play such an integral role? “Because of my experience across India, my food reflects the entire country.”

Whether it is the Amritsari chole (a North Indian speciality made with chickpeas) that is peppered with Khanna’s childhood memories, or the chicken Chitranee marinated in his love for North India, each dish is a celebration of flavour.

But, it wasn’t all highs.

As the darkness of the years in between engulfs Khanna for a moment, he shares how a ray of hope always shone through in the form of his sister’s words to him — “God is testing you so much every single day. I hope when it’s time to distribute happiness, God puts you in the front of the line.” He shares, “When I wasn’t getting good jobs, I thought it was my bad luck. A lot in my journey was broken. That’s how there are so many pieces. They are all coming together now.”

From the archives: Vikas Khanna with his family whom he credits for being his biggest inspiration

Recently, one of his Instagram posts wondered aloud, “Who knew that this kid with bunny teeth, strange feet, zero confidence, zero grades in school and always the paranoid kid in the narrow streets of Amritsar [would head a] restaurant [that] will be honoured in the list of 50 BEST RESTAURANTS IN AMERICA by The New York Times. Who knew?”

No one saw it coming, but fate definitely did.

On a lighter note, Khanna shrugs aside, revealing the space behind him, allowing me a minute to appreciate the exquisite taste with which his living room is done, and also, as he shares, the spot for Bungalow’s very first tasting session. He follows this fun fact with a hearty anecdote of how that day saw a room full of guests — the likes of Jay Shetty and Jimmy Rizvi — declaring pineapple for the win, thoroughly floored by the humble pineapple curry.

Khanna, who doubted how this simple rendition would work the room was pleasantly surprised to see it becoming the protagonist of the meal. He then goes on to divulge the recipe, a trade secret I can’t possibly share, but can affirm is brilliant.

What’s astounding is how the simplest ingredients find a stage in Khanna’s gastronomic repertoire. Here’s an example. “I recreated aloo vadis (potato snacks) with purple potatoes. It was a very interesting spin. The hero was the hing (asafoetida).” One wouldn’t ever imagine the humble (and often taken for granted) hing to get the limelight, but with Khanna, anything is possible. It is amazing how simplicity and finesse convene in each dish touched by his hands.

Through Bungalow, Chef Vikas Khanna is attempting to create a space where Indian Americans can have a sense of belonging

The more I learn about chef Vikas Khanna, the more fascinated I am. For instance, he shares how, along with his family, a 90s Bollywood release formed the crux of Bungalow’s USP.  His grandmother’s enthusiasm to watch Hum Aapke Hai Kaun (1994) and a theatre filled to capacity taught Khanna to never underestimate the market. “We often assume the market is for youngsters, but one’s credibility lies in how they can attract grandparents. That is a testament to your craft. You have to penetrate the market with your authenticity,” he says.

I want to keep listening to chef Vikas Khanna. But it is unfair to deprive the guests at Bungalow of the pleasure of his company. No, he’s not planning to rest despite the all-nighter.

Even at 53, and at the pinnacle of success, Khanna spends 16 hours a day working (Read: doing what he loves). “I don’t want the artist in me to die and be taken over by commerce. The day I take off my apron, people should know it’s been a long journey to be here.”

Pictures source: Chef Vikas Khanna





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