In an Instagram post shared by Chef Vikas Khanna, he was in touch with Mira Nair over the years after walking into a restaurant where he worked. Eight-year-old Zohran Mamdani accompanied his mother. Vikas Khanna provided services at various events for Mira Nair.
Zohran Mamdani and Vikas Khanna reunite
- Did you know? Popular Indian chef Vikas Khanna and New York's Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has Indian roots, are acquaintances. In an Instagram post, Chef Vikas Khanna wrote that Zohran Mamdani visited his restaurant to break his fast.
- It was not a coincidence that Mamdani chose his restaurant, but a long shared bond that brought him in. In the shared video, Khanna is seen decorating the table and Mysa, a lady, is presenting a date for Mamdani to break his fast.
- Chef Vikas Khanna's popular restaurant is called Bungalow, located in the East Village of New York City, Manhattan. It was established in 2024 and received a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award given to restaurants offering high-quality food at good value.
- The restaurant features a diverse menu that reflects India's rich cuisine, dishes like yoghurt kebab, Five-cheese kulcha, Jackfruit biryani and delicious cocktails. Khanna dedicated the restaurant to his sister, “I’ve carried that pain with me every day since. I didn’t know where to put it — so I poured it into Bungalow. I built this space to honor her. To create something sacred out of sorrow. To turn absence into presence. To give her a home in this world.
- He wrote on Instagram, "It was in 2001 when I first met Zohran Mamdani. I had just survived homelessness, left a very abusive job, and started working at Salaam Bombay restaurant in Tribeca. I loved the name — it was also my favourite film by the iconic Mira Nair (@pagliji). One day, Mira walked in with her very young 8-year-old son, Zohran. Mira was one of the most supportive humans I met in New York. Over the years, we stayed in touch, and I had the privilege of catering some of her events."
- "And today, 25+ years later, I had the honour of cooking for that same young boy — now a global leader shaping the future of New York City. Life truly comes full circle.When Mysha served him a date to break his fast today, it was an emotional and deeply proud moment for us. Thank you, @zohrankmamdani, for celebrating Iftar with us today. Cooking for you was deeply personal 25 years ago — and it feels even more meaningful today." He added.