Kinara: A Dubai Gem
Chef Vikas Khanna's inaugural restaurant venture, Kinara, is a testament to his passion for authentic Indian and South Asian home cooking. Situated in Dubai's
JA Lake View Hotel, this establishment offers a captivating dining experience, complete with a vibrant Spice Market and an interactive open kitchen. The philosophy behind Kinara is to serve not just dishes, but cherished memories. The beverage menu features unique creations like the 'Tipsy Leaves' cocktail with curry leaf and honey, and the summer-appropriate 'Aamtini' mango martini. For non-alcoholic options, refreshing kokum-based drinks such as 'Kokum and Fennel Harmony' and 'Kokum Rose Sharbat' are available, alongside the classic 'Kairi Shikanji'. The starter selection is equally enticing, with the 'Kurkuri Dahi' – baked yogurt with Kunafa, dates, and turmeric aioli – being a standout. Other notable appetizers include 'Podi Crusted Scallops' and 'Chargrilled Spiced Octopus' with a tamarind-jaggery sauce and curry leaves. Main courses offer a modern twist on traditional favorites, such as the 'Chicken Berry Biryani' and 'Shrimps Pulao'. Seafood lovers will appreciate the 'Prawn' served with lemon foam and spiced prawn bisque, or the 'Pickled Red Chilli Seabass' in an onion-coconut curry. These dishes are best enjoyed with the 'Pista-Badam Laccha Paratha', a ghee-slathered flatbread with a pistachio-almond crust. The dessert menu provides a delightful conclusion, featuring the 'Baked Chenna' with ricotta, pistachio sponge, and passion fruit, and the layered 'Kinara Bebinca' accompanied by peach-passion fruit sorbet and cardamom crumble.
Ellora: A Fleeting Delight
Ellora, Chef Vikas Khanna's special seasonal pop-up in Dubai, served as a beacon of positivity and culinary innovation during its run from August 2020. Hosted within the JA Beach Hotel's JA The Resort, Ellora was designed to offer a unique, evolving menu inspired by seasonal ingredients. For its summer offerings, the chef prominently featured flavors like green mango, passionfruit, and watermelon, showcasing a commitment to fresh, vibrant produce. Diners could also indulge in popular dishes from Kinara, with the 'Kurkuri Dahi' being a particular favorite. The pop-up also presented a range of creative seasonal dishes, including 'tandoori pineapple' with sesame curry, saffron crisp, and coconut cream; 'pan-seared salmon' with a pistachio crust, rainbow carrot, and watermelon curry; and a slow-cooked 'achari lamb' incorporating caramelized onions, a nigella-fennel mix, and seasonal green mangoes. Ellora successfully concluded its engaging season, leaving a memorable impression on its guests and demonstrating Chef Khanna's ability to create dynamic and flavorful dining experiences.
Bungalow: A New York Ode
Bungalow, Chef Vikas Khanna's flagship restaurant in New York City, represents a profound tribute to his late sister, Radhika Khanna, and her vision of creating a spiritual home for the Indian diaspora. Located on First Avenue, the restaurant's aesthetic blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance, featuring pale pink walls and wooden accents, reflecting Khanna's two decades of experience in the United States. Bungalow is more than a restaurant; it's an embodiment of nostalgia and a sanctuary for those who have achieved material success but seek a deeper sense of belonging. Chef Khanna's personal touch, often seen when he engages with guests, underscores the establishment's ethos. The drink menu offers sophisticated cocktails such as the 'Lucky Cheng', a green curry-infused gin concoction, and the 'Kaali Peeli Taxi' with turmeric-infused tequila. Nostalgic yet innovative, the 'Clarified Mango Lassi' and 'Chai Pani' offer spirited takes on traditional beverages. For teetotalers, the 'Mango Lassi' and 'Golden City' with grapefruit are excellent choices. Culinary highlights include the 'Malwani Fish Tikka' made with salmon and served with banana ketchup, and 'Ammi's Lamb Chops' with cashew butter and kumquat pickle. Entrees maintain authenticity, like the 'Eggplant Bharta' using Japanese eggplant, and the 'Allepey Shrimp Curry' infused with tamarind and green mango. 'Chicken Amritsari' honors his hometown, while 'Lamb Tellicherry Fry' offers a rich flavor profile with coconut chips and black pepper. The 'Five Cheese Kulcha', enhanced with Amul cheese, pairs perfectly with the hearty 'Dal Bungalow'. Desserts range from the delicate 'Rose Kulfi Falooda' to the decadent 'Molten Chocolate Cake' with gulab jamun ice cream, and the seasonal 'Mango Three Way'.
