When it comes to the culinary world, a Michelin star is the highest recognition a restaurant can achieve, and Indian chefs have made a significant mark in this sphere.
In 2023, three Indian restaurants in the US bagged the coveted award, giving Indian cuisine the recognition it deserves on the global stage.
The Rise of Indian Michelin Star Chefs
Vikas Khanna, celebrated chef and restaurateur, took to social media to congratulate the winners, saying, “Diwali has arrived a little early in the US.” With his restaurant Junoon in New York, Khanna has been a pioneer in introducing Indian cuisine to the global audience.
Growing up in Amritsar, Punjab, Khanna always dreamed of becoming a world-recognised chef. After opening his first restaurant on 9/11, Khanna’s business came to a standstill, but he didn’t give up. He was recognised for his culinary skills at a non-profit called James Beard House, which nurtured his talent. In 2006, Khanna launched Spice Route, which got him his big break.
Vikas Khanna’s Culinary Journey
Khanna’s journey wasn’t without its challenges, though. During the recession in 2008, he was employed by a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, where he was made to wash dishes and stack shelves. However, this didn’t deter him from believing in himself. He moved back to New York and, in 2010, opened Junoon, which received its first Michelin star the following year.
Today, Khanna is a globally renowned name, with several feathers in his cap. He has opened restaurants like Kinara by Vikas Khanna in Dubai and Ellora by Vikas Khanna at the JA Beach Hotel. His humanitarian initiative, Feed India, provided meals for millions of people in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Atul Kochhar: The Pioneer of Indian Cuisine
Atul Kochhar, a well-known name in the culinary world, is also the first Indian to be awarded a Michelin star for his London restaurant, Tamarind, in 2001. His restaurant, Benares, in London’s upscale Mayfair district, got him his second Michelin star.
Kochhar’s restaurants celebrate the life and culture of India, showcasing its rich flavours, aromas, and spices through magnificent dishes. His signature dishes and recipes are a combination of traditional Indian dishes and British cuisine.
Garima Arora: The First Indian Woman to Win a Michelin Star
Garima Arora, born in Mumbai, created a stir in the global culinary arena when she opened Gaa, a three-storied restaurant in Bangkok’s Phatumwan, in 2017. The restaurant serves contemporary Indian cuisine fused with global flavours, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional Indian cooking techniques.
Arora became the first Indian woman to be awarded a Michelin star for Gaa in 2018. In 2019, she also bagged the title of Asia’s Best Female Chef by World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In December 2023, Gaa became the third Indian restaurant to win a second Michelin star, and Arora stands as the first female Indian chef to achieve this feat.
Sriram Aylur: Revolutionising Coastal Indian Food
Sriram Aylur, executive chef at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, London, won a Michelin star in 2008 for Tamarind and retained it for 14 years. His restaurant, Quilon, is known for its innovative approach to cooking, blending traditional flavours with modern twists.
Aylur’s culinary journey began in India, where he gained experience at two of the finest Indian restaurants – Dum Pukht and Bukhara, at the ITC Maurya in New Delhi. He then shifted to the UK and joined Tamarind, rising to become the restaurant group’s director of cuisine.
Other Michelin Star Indian Chefs
There are several other Indian chefs who have been awarded Michelin stars, including Vineet Bhatia, Srijith Gopinathan, Alfred Prasad, Vijay Kumar, Chetan Shetty, and Sujan Sarkar. Each of these chefs has contributed significantly to the world of Indian cuisine, showcasing its diversity and richness.
What Does it Mean to be a Michelin-Star Restaurant?
Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants for their exceptionally high quality of food and consistency. One star denotes “a very good restaurant in its category,” two stars mean “excellent cooking, worth a detour,” and three stars signify “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”
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