Vikas Khanna, one of India's most celebrated chefs and a judge on MasterChef, opened a restaurant called Bungalow in New York last year. Now among the city's most popular eateries, Bungalow recently received the prestigious Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand Award. Speaking to CNN, Vikas Khanna dedicated the accolade to his late sister, Radhika Khanna, who passed away three years ago. A fashion designer, author, and entrepreneur, Radhika succumbed to lupus. Vikas Khanna revealed that she affectionately called him "Mera sher" (my lion) and played a key role in shaping Bungalow by commissioning artefacts for the restaurant from her deathbed. He shared, "I was unsure if Bungalow should be a successful restaurant or a big one. She (Radhika) wanted it to be a deeper restaurant."
When the interviewer referred to Bungalow as Vikas Khanna's "baby," he corrected her, describing the restaurant as his "daughter." Vikas Khanna explained, "I have a very clear definition of the gender of this restaurant. This restaurant was born as a female, it will live as a female," adding that the establishment's essence, or "shakti," is feminine.
Vikas Khanna also shared a heartfelt memory of his late sister, whom he described as his "only friend" and "soulmate." Recalling an incident from 2003, he said Radhika had taken him to a fine-dining restaurant for his birthday. After a delightful meal, she wanted to meet the chef, but the manager informed them that only customers who ordered the "tasting menu" could do so.
As they left the restaurant, Vikas Khanna tried to comfort his sister, saying it had been his best birthday. However, she replied, "I failed." On her deathbed, she asked him to promise never to behave like that chef. Vikas Khanna quoted her words, "We had great food in that restaurant, but we were made to feel less. 'Un-restaurant' yourself."