Wednesday, April 22, 2026
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Chefs

Chef Vikram Vij

Chef Vikram Vij Darpan, 22 Apr, 2026 02:02 PM
  • Chef Vikram Vij

Celebrated chef, restaurateur, and television personality Vikram Vij is renowned for redefining Indian cuisine in Canada and beyond. Trained in Austria and seasoned at world-class establishments, he opened Vij’s in 1994 in Vancouver, blending bold innovation with deep-rooted tradition.

Known for his signature hospitality — often greeting guests with a cup of chai — Chef Vij has earned global acclaim, multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand honours, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. For DARPAN, he handpicked these recipes from his new 2025 cookbook, My New Indian Kitchen, showcasing his ever-evolving culinary artistry.

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Chef Raj Thandhi - Recipe Developer & Food Stylist

Chef Raj Thandhi - Recipe Developer & Food Stylist
From perfecting age-old techniques to adapting them for a North American kitchen, she built a thriving online community of over 100,000 people who connect through cultural cuisine. To her, keeping Punjabi flavors on the table matters most—whether it’s through a classic dish, a creative fusion, or a quick weeknight meal.  

Chef Raj Thandhi - Recipe Developer & Food Stylist

Chef Rehana Parveen

Chef Rehana Parveen
Chef Rehana Parveen, an Indian pastry chef with a deep-rooted passion for desserts, began her culinary journey after transitioning from finance. She started as a management trainee at Holiday Inn Goa under Chef Ranjeet Pandey and quickly excelled in the pastry department.

Chef Rehana Parveen

Beetroot Tikki & Saag Burrata? Aanal Kotak Redefines Indian Cuisine in Canada

Beetroot Tikki & Saag Burrata? Aanal Kotak Redefines Indian Cuisine in Canada
Aanal Kotak, an acclaimed chef from Ahmedabad, India, is making waves in Vaughan, Canada, with her latest venture, The Secret Kitchen. Renowned for her inventive approach to Indian cuisine, Aanal blends traditional flavors with global influences, creating a menu that delights and surprises.

Beetroot Tikki & Saag Burrata? Aanal Kotak Redefines Indian Cuisine in Canada

Chefs Baldeep Singh & Kanwardeep Ahluwalia

Chefs Baldeep Singh & Kanwardeep Ahluwalia
Baldeep Singh & Kanwardeep Ahluwalia, founders and head chefs at Sirka Gourmet Takeout, are the driving forces behind the restaurant’s success in Surrey. Baldeep, a first-generation chef, believes in merging traditional techniques with creative flair, while Kanwardeep views cooking as both an art and a science.

Chefs Baldeep Singh & Kanwardeep Ahluwalia

Chef Ritu Khema

Chef Ritu Khema
A believer in the “swasth raho-mast raho” philosophy, Ritu Khemka is a true proponent of healthy living and healthy eating. A simple desire to document her recipes to pass them on to her daughters as her legacy, blossomed into a passion and a popular food blog.

Chef Ritu Khema

Chef Pankaj Jha: Executive Chef, Radisson Blu, Dwarka New Delhi

Chef Pankaj Jha: Executive Chef, Radisson Blu, Dwarka New Delhi
With almost 23 years in the culinary field, he began at IIAS Darjeeling, later joining Carlson Rezidor. Specializing in Indian cuisine and boasting diverse kitchen skills, he's worked with renowned hotel chains like RHG, ITC, and Radisson.

Chef Pankaj Jha: Executive Chef, Radisson Blu, Dwarka New Delhi