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.
Meet Sadia, the visionary behind Pick Up Limes, a plant-based platform founded in 2014 following her graduation and work as a dietitian in Vancouver. Her transformative backpacking journey led her to a chance encounter with Robin, her partner, in Thailand, sparking a series of shared adventures that prompted her to move from Canada to the Netherlands.
Notably, he achieved recognition as the Winner of Season 1 Episode 4 of the show "Chefs Vs Wild" on Hulu and Disney+. With a deep-rooted love for regional Indian cuisine, Tushar has effectively broadened the scope of his culinary offerings throughout British Columbia, making the authentic flavours of India accessible to a diverse range of diners.
Chef Dhillon describes his food as "unpretentiously soulful" and enjoys working with fresh, classic and rustic Fraser Valley ingredients. Proud of his Indian cooking heritage, he understands that Indian spices can do the trick and add to the flavour of so many dishes apart from the good old curry!
In 2014, he moved to Canada, where he worked with the Fairmont Hotel and completed his Red Seal Chef certification requirements. He opened his first catering company, GJs’ Kitchen, in Surrey, BC and quickly learned that the Canadian food scene is quite different from that in other countries.
The talented chef has amazing work experience in leading fine dining, smart casual, brasserie, café, and dark kitchens outlets. Chef Bobby Geetha has worked with some of Europe’s best Michelin-starred chefs. He is one of the best consultant chefs in the UK and Middle East.
Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Rohit Ghai is hailed as one of the UK’s most creative and accomplished Indian chefs. Chef Ghai began his international career working with Michelin-starred restaurant Benares in London in 2008.
