Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has proven it time and again that passion driven by honesty always takes you places. His latest win of being named among the TIME100 Most Influential People of 2026 is not just a personal achievement; it is a global recognition of Indian cuisine, resilience, and purpose-driven success. From a young boy in Amritsar to a Michelin-starred chef in New York (Bungalow), his journey in the food world is full of lessons that go far beyond the kitchen and gas stove. Let us tell you about five powerful life lessons one can learn from his life along with real instances that bring them to life.
According to the TIME website, Chef Vikas Khanna is above all a man of extraordinary heart. His generosity extends far beyond the kitchen, reaching communities across the world with compassion, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility. What makes Vikas so unique is his ability to connect with people from every walk of life, using food as a universal language to build bridges and foster understanding.
"He carries his culture with immense pride, sharing the richness of Indian traditions while making them accessible and meaningful to a global audience. With Bungalow, he has created more than a restaurant—it is a living expression of storytelling. Each dish reflects memory, heritage, and the collective voice of his team, giving space to narratives that deserve to be heard."
"Vikas reminds us that true influence is measured not only by success, but also by how deeply we uplift and connect with others."
Reacting to the honour, Chef Vikas Khanna took to his Instagram handle, saying that his journey "belongs to every mother, every teacher, every sister, every hand that believed, and every plate that carried a story forward."
He noted, "What a moment – for Indian cuisine, for our culture, for every story that began in a humble kitchen."
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, he said, "Who would have imagined that a boy from the narrow lanes of Amritsar – who struggled to run with other kids, who never knew that rolling breads at the Golden Temple would lead to the biggest platform in the world, who chose cooking as an act of rebellion, and who once sold chole bhature as a small dream – would one day find his name among the world's most influential voices?"
Vikas Khanna's mother, Bindu Khanna, also commented on the post, saying, "So proud to see my son recognised among the global changemakers in the TIME100 list. Your hard work, integrity, and passion continue to inspire us every day. The world is taking notice – this is just the beginning. Keep shining!"
Along with Chef Vikas Khanna, other Indians featured in the 2026 TIME100 list include Google CEO Sundar Pichai and actor Ranbir Kapoor.
