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.
As an Executive Chef at the stunning Fraser River Lodge, Chef Lucky Dhillon works closely with local farmers using fresh and organic ingredients to create delectable and scrumptious farm to table meals for his guests.
“This is an interpretation of the way I look at today’s eating habits and trends. Chaat masala is readily available in every grocery in India. When I first combined chaat with balsamic vinegar and honey, the chaat went to another level. You can substitute any kind of beans and lentils and cauliflower can replace the broccoli." – Ratnani
“The croquettes make a great snack for a party. Feel free to change the shape and size of the croquettes – go all out and see what funky shapes you can come up with!” – Ratnani
