Nestled in the bustling centre of New York City, Bungalow offers an inviting peek into the diverse flavours of India. The distinctive dining experience seamlessly combines the grace of colonial-era aesthetics with a gastronomic voyage orchestrated by Michelin-starred chef, renowned MasterChef India judge, and celebrated author Vikas Khanna. Collaborating with Restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi from the Bombay House Hospitality Group, Bungalow boasts an unparalleled fusion of culinary heritage and innovation.

Kissed by intricate artistry, Bungalow invites the passer-by to indulge in the opulence of India’s exclusive clubs. Glide through a doorway and descend a grand staircase into a realm adorned with elaborate wallpaper and towering windows. Nostalgic and reminiscent of a colonial era, and established in the beating heart of New York City’s East Village, the restaurant is the newest venture of Chef Vikas Khanna and Restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi. Together they create an authentic experience that celebrates regional Indian cuisine, culture, and community.

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Design Inspired By Family & Heritage 

Located at 101 East First Avenue, Bungalow presents a modest facade that doesn’t do justice to its inner sanctuary. Drawing inspiration from the architecture of Amritsar’s Golden Temple, the interior cradles over a hundred patrons across six distinct areas. The entrance greets guests with a mural depicting a bungalow, setting the tone for their experience ahead. A cosy lounge with a book almirah amidst captivating artwork by Indian artist Kunwar Ajay Singh greets patrons. The bar offers a scenic view framed by arch windows, while booth seating provides diners with a lush garden vista. The semi-open kitchen and dining area showcase artwork by American artist Alexander Goritzki, inviting guests into a realm of imagination and storytelling that enriches their dining experience. Finally, a skylight dining area bathes in a serene ambience with pastel hues and gentle lighting, ideal for intimate gatherings or private events. Each corner tells a story seeped in history’s enchantment, whispering tales and songs of yore. “We wanted to touch on the bygone era of India that you don’t see anymore,” explains Chef Khanna.

Bungalow embodies an aesthetic reverence for this vanished time. In an ambience wherein decor unveils treasures from afar, the restaurant showcases furniture from Home of Chirmi and Zikoi Homes, such as entrance chairs and curious accents like a noteworthy array of Indian cookbooks. The lounge houses a traditional brick-red bookshelf, displaying Chef Khanna’s meticulously curated collection of cookbooks in languages such as Bengali, Gujarati, and Marathi. Family and heritage are central to Khanna’s culinary narrative in New York. From his mother’s wedding photograph to souvenirs from travels across India– every aspect of the venue pays homage to home.

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Spanning 5,600 square feet, the restaurant was unveiled by Khanna on 23 March, commemorating his late sister’s 50th birth anniversary. Emerging during colonial times, India’s country clubs quietly shared stories of leisure and social gatherings, transforming into havens for escaping life’s hustle. Today, their spirit resonates with echoes of a nostalgic past. In their childhood, visits to prestigious clubs were eagerly anticipated, filled with days of swimming, relishing cucumber sandwiches by the pool, and spirited games of tennis and snooker. “As immigrants, we often leave much behind when we move, and my goal is to curate these elements to recreate a sense of home,” Khanna explains. Its interiors were designed by his sister and interior designer, Shaila Rizvi; for restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi, Bungalow embodies a family legacy. 

 A Communion Of Cultures & Rich Histories

Bungalow originates from the Indian term ‘bangla,’ denoting aristocratic residences. In the days of the British Raj in India, bungalows stood as stately residences. Named after historical Indian social clubs that birthed a fresh culinary style, Bungalow draws inspiration from home cooks. The number 101 written in the Devanagari script on the stationery marks more than an address, it also holds significance as an auspicious number in Indian traditions. In Bungalow, subtle tributes to the Indian daily life unfurl like jasmines bloom. Homemade mouth fresheners with candied fennel seeds and a reinterpretation of Indian snacks evoke memories from Indian household traditions.

Bungalow offers a diverse menu of Indian cuisine that spans from Kashmir to Kerala. The experience unfolds with crispy papadum – a playful rendition of tapioca finger chips, dahi puri with Varanasi lentils, Kiss of Kashmir lotus roots, and spicy shrimp balchão, originating in Portuguese seas, and arriving at Indian shores. Larger plates feature Chitranee chicken curry, Anarkali Chicken with pomegranate-garlic reduction, and Rajasthani Pulled Lamb. Signature dishes include spice-roasted pineapple and Lamb Shank Nihari. Chicken biryani completes the experience with its aromatic allure. Desserts include a nostalgic molten chocolate cake, gulab jamun ice cream, and rose kulfi. Additionally, the menu offers a variety of Indian breads and dal dishes.

A lofty bar serves inventive cocktails such as Kaali Peeli Taxi, inspired by Bombay and NYC’s black-and-yellow cabs, a tequila infused with turmeric, mango and berries, and the Holi Moly, a spicy cocktail with Kashmiri Chili-infused Mezcal. A standout is the Chai Pani, a clarified chai featuring dark rum, sprinkled with a Parle-G crumble – the quintessential Indian biscuit enjoyed with tea. At Bungalow, food isn’t just sustenance, but a heartfelt return to flavours that bridge generations. Khanna acknowledges the challenge of balancing Western tastes with satisfying the Indian diaspora, yet the restaurant’s varied dish menu pays tribute to custodians who preserved these recipes for centuries.

Looking ahead, Khanna and Rizvi plan to introduce a collaborative chef series and a Bungalow Book Club for cookbook launches and readings, reinforcing their commitment to culinary innovation and community building in the global Indian food scene.