Vikipedia of YUMS!

Dine with Smile campaign involves both customers and restaurateurs join hands for nutrition, for better literacy and who better to be an ambassador than Vikas Khanna, with his charming demeanour. His simple cooking and his heartfelt recipes, make him one of India’s most favourite chefs. From Amristar to New York, his tryst with food is as remarkable as it can get, but little does one know that his love for the culinary arts began at a small town near Bengaluru.

“When I studied in Manipal, I used to travel to Kengeri to learn stone sculpting and there was a lady who used to cook the most amazing food. Till date, I travel to see her cook and nothing has changed, the same small stone grinder, whole spices and freshly hand-picked ingredients. That is where I guess I appreciated the little things in cooking like grating fresh coconuts and the freshly brewed filter coffees,” he says. And as you are drawn into the conversation, he describes food so dramatically that one salivates at every word. That is the kind of passion that propelled Vikas to where he is right now. He says, “I have been in the kitchen from a very young age, I do not remember a time when I was not cooking. It has been a process that has very much been a part of me and defines my life,” he adds.

From running restaurants in New York and a new one opening in Dubai, he is on a career high. He has also come out with cooking books, “More than anything, it is the books I write that has changed me. From the journeys that I have undertaken, to the people I have met; everything has a story which is close to my heart,” he adds.

Speaking of things close to his heart, Vikas divulges that he shares an emotional bond with the city. He says about his favourite restaurants, “My favourite is Sagar fast food; Bengaluru cuisine has a variety of spices which one finds hard to differentiate because it blends so well.” Quite excited about the ‘Dine with Smile’ initiative, he says, “Bengaluru was the first city that came to mind when we thought about where to kickstart the idea. The city is creating a revolution in terms of its eating culture, so we thought we should start the initiative from here.”

About his future plans, Vikas reveals that he is coming out with a book called the Magic Rolling Pin which is an illustrative book for kids. From supporting cookery initiatives to passion on his methodology to the future generation, Vikas truly believes, “I think India’s first passion will always be cooking,” he grins.