"I love that restaurant": Chef Vikas Khanna's favourite restaurant in India and what makes it so special

Chef Vikas Khanna recently made headlines for being named among the TIME100 Most Influential People of 2026 and he is also known for this inspiring journey from Amritsar to a Michelin-starred chef in New York, who owns Junoon and his newer New York restaurant, Bungalow, which was awarded a Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand award. But, when it comes to enjoying desi Indian food build around Indian techniques, he loves this Indian restaurant located in Mumbai the most. Scroll down to read the details.

Where does Chef Vikas Khanna dine in India?

In a podcast with limitlesswithishan, when he was asked about his favourite restaurant in India, the celebrity chef said, "My favourite restaurant has to be this restaurant in South Bombay called Soam." He added, "I love that restaurant." The restaurant made him feel the power of Indian home cooking and the supremacy of Indian home food. Our traditional techniques are best and we don't need to borrow any other techniques to impress Western people. "I think I had the best dining experience there (Soam). According to chef Vikas, restaurants that are working towards keeping the Indian culinary heritage alive are the real heroes of the food and beverage market, as there is so much to be preserved. And when it comes to homemade food, Chef Vikas is a big fan of Methi Aloo made by his mother and he has also shared the same recipe on social media platforms. In a recent interview, when Chef Vikas was asked about his mother's reaction to his food at Bungalow, she wasn't happy and that is when chef realised that it is important that food touches your soul.

What is Soam and what do they offer

Soam is a family restaurant known for its Gujarati, street food, South Indian, North Indian, desserts, and beverages and is located at Sadguru Sadan, Babulnath Raod, BabulnathTemple, Grant Road, Mumbai. They are known for their Dal Dkholi and other regional delights that are made using traditional cooking techniques. Take a look at the must try dishes at Soam.

Malai Malpua: It is a rich Indian dessert made with deep-fried pancakes called malpua, topped or soaked with creamy malai (thickened milk).

Ganne Ka Juice: It is a summer delight, and is made by extracting juice from fresh sugarcane stalks and is best served chilled with hints of black salt, mint, and lemon juice.

Biscuit Bhakri: It is a traditional Indian flatbread made using millet or grain flours such as jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), rice, or ragi. It is thicker and more rustic than regular roti and best served with condiments.

Shrikhand Puri: It is a delectable combo, where deep-fried pooris are served with rich and creamy curd, combined with sugar, and aromatic flavourings like cardamom and saffron.
Gujarati Food: This refers to an array of traditional dishes like Dhokla, Fafda, Khadvi and more which are offered here. They also serve desserts like Basundi, Jalebi and Besan Barfi, which are loved by Gujaratis.

Dal Dhokli: Made with toor dal and tempered with mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, tomatoes, garlic, and spices, it is a one-pot dish served with soft whole wheat dough rolled thin and cut into diamond or square shapes before being cooked directly in the dal.