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Chef Vikas Khanna has been listed among the TIME 100 Most Influential People 2026. It is not just another addition to his list of accomplishments, but it feels like an acknowledgement of years spent working with consistency, patience, and his deep devotion to food. The career of Vikas Khanna did not begin in a world-class kitchen, but in Amritsar, his motherland.
This latest recognition is not only about him as a person but also about how he made Indian cuisine and the stories associated with it recognised globally. From his early days in Amritsar to proving himself on international platforms, especially for his restaurant Bungalow in New York, his work and his journey have been remarkable, as he has done all by himself, with no godfather behind him.
From Amritsar To The World Stage
Long before the global recognition, the journey of Vikas Khanna started in Amritsar. Born with a clubfoot, his early days were not without challenges, and often he would find himself drawn towards the kitchen. It was at this moment, along with his mother and grandmother, that he began to show interest in cooking, and meals became more than food.
Incidents like these shaped his connection with cooking. What began as a personal interest slowly shifted into a passion. From learning traditional recipes at home to finally stepping into the world of professional kitchens, his path was determined by perseverance.
(Image credit: Image credit: Instagram/Vikaskhannagroup)
Building A Global Culinary Identity
At present, Vikas Khanna is a well-recognised figure, not just in India, but worldwide, particularly in New York City’s culinary landscape. His restaurant, Bungalow, stands as a mirror of his journey. More than just a dining area, it is a homage to his late sister, Radhika Khanna, and a place where food holds memory, emotion, and storytelling.
Each dish at Bungalow, his restaurant, is created to go beyond just the taste. It pulls from heritage, personal experiences, and the effort of the team behind it. In doing so, the restaurant evolves a narrative in itself, one that defines Indian cuisine with both realism and a modern outlook.
A Career Beyond The Kitchen
At 54, Khanna's work spans numerous roles. He is a Michelin-starred chef, a restaurateur, author, filmmaker, and also a judge on MasterChef India for nine seasons continuously. His journey mirrors not just culinary wins but a more all-around influence across storytelling, media, and artistic expression.
Over the passing years, he has used food as a medium to unite people, share his stories, and contribute to larger discussions around individuality and belonging. This multi-dimensional approach is part of what makes his glory in the TIME 100 list especially meaningful.
A Moment Of Reflection And Gratitude
In response to the honour, Vkas Khanna shared on his instgram shared a note, expressing his gratitude for the journey that got him where he is today. He expressed the award as a moment not just for himself, but for Indian cuisine and the numerous stories embedded in humble kitchens.
“I have no words to fully express my gratitude for being named among TIME’s Most Influential People of 2026. What a moment—for Indian cuisine, for our culture, for every story that began in a humble kitchen.” Remembering his beginnings, he added, “Who would have imagined that a boy from the narrow lanes of Amritsar, who once sold chole bhature as a small dream, would one day find his name among the world’s most influential voices.”
What stands out in his remarks is the sense of shared accomplishment. He credits his journey to the people who supported him all through the way, be it family, his mentors, and every person who believed in him. He thanked all of them from the bottom of his heart.
(Image credit: Instagram/Vikaskhannagroup)
Khanna’s inclusion in the TIME 100 list is not just about glory alone; it symbolises a larger shift. It emphasises how Indian cuisine, which was once often simplified on the global platforms, is now being apprehended through deeper, more authentic narratives.
From a young boy finding comfort in the kitchen to evolving into one of the most significant personalities in the culinary world, his journey is a testament to what constant effort, cultural dignity, and storytelling can achieve.
