Vikas Khanna

OT: Tell us a little about your years in Punjab…

Vikas Khanna: I feel blessed to have been born in Amritsar. A place I consider my grandmother’s city. And a place where food is the centre of life. I remember how our summers were filled with sweet mangoes, and how we sat in the veranda churning mango ice cream in a wooden bucket.

OT: You’ve talked of backpacking trips as a student to Siliguri and your bicycle ride from Mangalore to Goa in My Great India Cookbook. Were there any other memorable, impromptu vacations back then?

Vikas Khanna: My most unforgettable trip was to Bodh Gaya. I went for Kalachakra (a Tibetan ritual) and loved it. A whole new world opened up — new flavours, new cultures…

OT: Are you still a no-fixed-itinerary-kind of traveller?

Vikas Khanna: Yes. I don’t plan a trip. I let the universe plan for me. Travel has to be a little disorganised. Art and creativity flourish when trips are unpredictable.

OT: Any disasters on the go?

Vikas Khanna: I lost all my baggage in Ladakh. But India has taught me to move forward and believe in destiny.

OT: In the US, you’ve mostly been on the East Coast. Have you explored the rest of the country?

Vikas Khanna: I have travelled in the US, but not very extensively. I live and work in Manhattan, and don’t get out as often as I would like to. Besides, there’s so much to see right here in Manhattan.

OT: What attractions/restaurants (besides your own, Junoon) would you recommend in New York?

Vikas Khanna: There are so many great museums here. I particularly love the MoMA, the Met and the American Museum of Natural History. And I like a peaceful walk in Central Park, right in the middle of the concrete jungle. As for restaurants, NY is a food paradise — walk into any café or restaurant and you will be surprised.

OT: When you’re not travelling for work, do your trips have a culinary agenda?

Vikas Khanna: They do. I am always inclined towards culinary holidays. And even when I take a simple break to unwind and relax, it always ends up being a food-research project!

OT: What do you bring back from your trips?

Vikas Khanna: New ingredients, new cookbooks (that are only available locally) and prayer tools.

OT: Where would you like to go next?

Vikas Khanna: Spain and Tibet.

OT: Your favourite cuisine in India and abroad?

Vikas Khanna: Italian and Bhutanese. And in India, I love everything!

OT: Five things you always pack…

Vikas Khanna: My asthma inhalers, protein bars, cellphone, electric torch and credit card.