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.
This is a delicious vegan take on the much popular dish of meat, lentils and vegetables commonly known as Haleem. Try it today and it is one that you will keep coming back to without feeling like you are missing out on the taste of the real deal.
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.
Clay pots have such an earthen feel to the cooking process and certainly take your dish to another level. Try this clay pot rice bursting with the flavour of juicy eggplants and a variety of spices it is sure to become a fam favourite!
