Indian Chef Vikas Khanna Cracks TIME’s 2026 Top 100 Most Influential List – A Win for Global Indian Food!
Big news for Indian cuisine: Chef Vikas Khanna just landed a spot on TIME’s 2026 TIME100 list, celebrating the world’s 100 most influential people.
You might know him as the eight-time Michelin-starred chef who’s put Indian flavors on the map. His New York spot Junoon snagged a Michelin star year after year, proving refined Indian food belongs in the big leagues. Now, his latest venture, Bungalow in NYC, is turning heads as a full-on celebration of India’s heritage—think immersive meals packed with stories, tastes, and culture. It’s already a hit.
Khanna’s reach goes way beyond the kitchen. He judged MasterChef India, mentoring aspiring cooks with his genuine warmth and drawing in millions of fans. He’s written over 41 books that dive into India’s food traditions, and he’s stepping into filmmaking too. His debut film The Last Color won praise worldwide for its heartfelt story. Get ready for Imaginary Rain, a food-themed drama set in New York, coming later this year.
But what really sets him apart? His big-hearted work. Through FeedIndia, he delivered meals to over 30 million people in 135 cities during COVID. He also runs the South Asian Kids Infinite Vision foundation to support kids.
Khanna shared his take: “This TIME100 honor means the world to me. It’s thanks to my grandmother, mother, and sister—their belief, sacrifices, and guidance got me here. It’s a win for India and our food legacy, loved globally. I hope it pushes more Indians to chase dreams and shine internationally.”
Check out the full TIME100 list and tributes in the April 27 issue (on newsstands April 17) or online here. TIME picks folks for their real impact and fresh ideas.
