Chef Vikas Khanna is one of the most celebrated and successful chefs in India and abroad. He is known for his culinary skills, his TV shows, his books, his films, and his humanitarian work. He is also one of the judges of MasterChef India, a popular cooking reality show. But do you know who is the woman in his life? Who is Chef Vikas Khanna’s wife and how did they meet? In this blog post, we will explore the personal and professional journey of Chef Vikas Khanna, and how he manages to balance his passion, his fame, and his relationships.
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How Chef Vikas Khanna Became a Chef
Chef Vikas Khanna was born on 14 November 1971 in Amritsar, Punjab, India. He grew up in a Sikh family and was inspired by the local cuisine of his hometown. He developed a passion for cooking at a young age and learned from his grandmother, who was a great cook. He also volunteered as an apprentice to a local kebab vendor, Munir Ustad, who taught him the secrets of the trade.
However, Chef Vikas Khanna faced a major challenge in his childhood. He was born with a leg deformity (club foot) and was not able to walk until he was 13 years old. He had to undergo several surgeries and treatments to correct his condition. Due to this, he could not play with other kids or pursue outdoor activities. He spent most of his time in the kitchen, where he found solace and joy in cooking.
Chef Vikas Khanna wanted to pursue cooking as a career, but his family was not supportive of his choice. They wanted him to become an engineer or a doctor. He had to convince them to let him join the Institute of Hotel Management in Lucknow, where he received a formal education in culinary arts. He graduated from there in 1991.
After completing his diploma, Chef Vikas Khanna started his career at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi. He then moved to Goa, where he opened three restaurants: Morisco, a seafood restaurant; il Camino, an Italian restaurant; and Fishtail, a barbeque eatery. He gained recognition for his innovative and fusion cuisine and became the youngest executive chef in India at the age of 25.
Chef Vikas Khanna then decided to explore the international culinary scene and moved to Boston, USA. There, he opened Banq, a fine Franco-Asian restaurant that won several awards, including the Best New Restaurant in the World by Wallpaper magazine. He also became the corporate chef for the One World Hospitality Group, one of the oldest restaurant groups in Boston.
Chef Vikas Khanna returned to India in 2010 and joined Novotel in Mumbai as the senior executive chef. He also ventured into the media industry and became a judge on MasterChef India, a series based on the original British version. He has also hosted several other TV shows, such as Twist of Taste, Holy Kitchens, Kitchens of Gratitude, The Last Color, and many more.
Chef Vikas Khanna has also written several books on food and culture, such as Ayurveda – The Science of Food and Life, Mango Mia, The Spice Story of India, Cuisine of Gandhi, New York Chefs Cooking for Life – Cookbook, and many more. He has also launched a YouTube channel with over 2 million subscribers, where he shares his recipes and stories.
Chef Vikas Khanna has also opened and curated many restaurants in India and abroad, such as FLYP @ MTV (a chain of restaurants launched by Viacom 18), English Vinglish (a premium patisserie), TAG Gourmart Kitchen (a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant), Mayura (a restaurant in Canada), Kinbuck 2 (a Roman bistro), The Funjabi Tadka (a Punjabi restaurant), The Peshwa Pavilion (a multi-cuisine restaurant) and many more.
Chef Vikas Khanna has also received many awards and honours for his contribution to the food industry, such as Indian of the Year Award for Chef and TV Host of the year (2017), LFEGA Food Entertainer of the Year Award (2018), Outstanding Contribution towards the Food & Beverage Industry Award at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards (2021), People’s Choice Culinary Icons of the Year Award (2022) and Pinkvilla Style Icons Award for Super Stylish Chef (2022).
How Chef Vikas Khanna Met His Wife
Chef Vikas Khanna is not married yet. He stated in an interview with Hindustan Times that he is looking forward to having a family one day, but not as of now. He currently resides in New York City with his family. Apart from celebrities, Chef Vikas Khanna has been linked up with Shipra Khanna, the winner of the second season of MasterChef India.
Shipra Khanna is also a chef, a cookbook author, a TV host, and a restaurateur. She was born on 17 November 1981 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. She grew up in a middle-class family and was interested in cooking since childhood. She learned from her mother, who was a home cook. She also studied hotel management from the Institute of Hotel Management in Shimla.
Shipra Khanna got married at the age of 19 to a businessman named Himanshu Khanna. They had two children, a daughter named Hansika and a son named Armaan. However, their marriage was not happy and they faced domestic violence and abuse. Shipra Khanna filed for divorce in 2009 and got the custody of her children.
Shipra Khanna then decided to pursue her passion for cooking and participated in the second season of MasterChef India in 2011. She impressed the judges, including Chef Vikas Khanna, with her skills, creativity, and determination. She won the title of MasterChef India and received a cash prize of Rs. 1 crore, a cookbook deal, and a chance to host her own show.
Shipra Khanna and Chef Vikas Khanna became good friends during the show and maintained their friendship after the show. They also collaborated on several projects, such as hosting a show called Twist of Taste with Vikas Khanna on Fox Life, launching a restaurant called Kinara by Vikas Khanna in Dubai, and writing a book called A Tree Named Ganga.
There were rumours that Shipra Khanna and Chef Vikas Khanna were dating each other, but they never confirmed or denied their relationship status. They have always praised each other for their work and supported each other in their endeavours. They have also shared pictures of them together on their social media accounts.
How Chef Vikas Khanna and His Wife Support Each Other
Chef Vikas Khanna and Shipra Khanna are not officially married yet, but they are often referred to as husband and wife by their fans and the media. They are a perfect example of a couple who share a passion, a profession, and a partnership. They are an inspiration for many aspiring chefs and couples who want to pursue their dreams together.
Chef Vikas Khanna credits Shipra Khanna for his success and says that she has always inspired him to grow in his craft and get the best out of him. He says that he could not have achieved what he has without her support and encouragement. He also praises her for being a dynamic and positive person who balances marriage, motherhood, and a career with ease.
Shipra Khanna also admires Chef Vikas Khanna for his passion, talent, and dedication to his work. She says that he is a wonderful husband and father who takes care of his family and makes them feel special. She also helps him with his projects and ventures and gives him honest feedback and suggestions.
The couple also shares a common love for food and cooking. They often cook together at home and experiment with new dishes and cuisines. They also travel together to explore different cultures and cuisines around the world. They also enjoy spending quality time with their children and indulging in their hobbies and interests.
Conclusion
Chef Vikas Khanna is one of the most celebrated chefs in India and abroad who has made a mark in the culinary world with his skills, creativity, and charisma. He is also a loving husband and father who has a beautiful family with Shipra Khanna and their children Hansika and Armaan. Chef Vikas Khanna and Shipra Khanna are a perfect example of a couple who share a passion, a profession, and a partnership. They are an inspiration for many aspiring chefs and couples who want to pursue their dreams together.