“When God has a plan…” - Vikas Khanna recently took to social media to share a deeply personal note tracing his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Amritsar to global recognition, including his place in the TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2026. His words read like a life story shaped by struggle, faith, and relentless determination.
He began by recalling his early days in 1989, selling bhatura chole at Vivek Public School in Amritsar, followed by running a small banquet hall called Lawrence Garden from the back of his home. In 1991, he chose culinary arts, a decision that was met with doubt and embarrassment from many around him—everyone except his grandmother, who stood firmly by his side.
The journey, however, was far from easy. Khanna spoke candidly about years of humiliation and setbacks, including the destruction of his banquet in 2000, a moment that nearly made him give up entirely. Instead, he made a life-altering decision to move to the United States, where his reality was far from glamorous.
In New York, he survived by cleaning homes, selling food in TriBeCa streets, and even experiencing homelessness while staying at NYC Rescue and sleeping at Grand Central. He described being called names on the subway and enduring long nights of uncertainty, yet continuing forward despite the odds stacked against him.
From those struggles emerged a remarkable rise in the culinary world. Khanna went on to achieve eight Michelin stars, earning global acclaim for his craft. But even success did not mark the end of his journey of reinvention. After periods of self-discovery and struggle, he opened Bungalow in New York as a heartfelt promise to his sister, a milestone that holds deep personal meaning.
Now, being named to the TIME100 list for 2026, Khanna reflects on how far he has come with humility and gratitude. A photo shared alongside the post shows him smiling in chef whites behind a restaurant counter—simple, grounded, and reflective of the journey he describes.
His story is not just one of culinary success, but of resilience, identity, and unwavering belief in purpose. From the streets of Amritsar to the global stage, Vikas Khanna’s journey continues to inspire millions who see in him a reminder that perseverance can turn even the hardest beginnings into extraordinary destinations.