Famous Indian Chefs and Their Contributions in 2025

The Trailblazers of Indian Cuisine

Sanjeev Kapoor — The Master of Indian Kitchens

Indian chefs have the visionary Sanjeev Kapoor, whose name resonates worldwide. Through his role as the host of the legendary food show Khana Khazana (which ran for over 17 years), he brought Indian households an approach to top-notch culinary skills and inspired millions to see cooking as an art. Renowned for his friendly demeanor and down-to-earth style, he made cooking easy and fun for all ages.

Cookbooks by Sanjeev Kapoor, notably How to Cook Indian and The Yellow Chilli Cookbook, are trusted references for fans of Indian cooking worldwide. His various restaurants, including The Yellow Chilli and Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor, have successfully showcased the essence of Indian food to national and international audiences, thereby elevating the perception of Indian cuisine on a global scale.

Madhur Jaffrey—The Queen of Indian Cooking

One of the people credited with introducing Indian food to the West is Madhur Jaffrey. Through her bestselling books, including An Invitation to Indian Cooking, and widely watched television series, Indian Cookery, she rendered Indian recipes accessible to international audiences. Writings earned her accolades, including the James Beard Foundation Award, while helping preserve traditional Indian recipes.

Jiggs Kalra – The Magician of Culinary Revival

Jiggs Kalra is widely credited with putting Indian gourmet cuisine on the world map. He devoted his life to resurrecting dishes that had all but disappeared, and documenting recipes that would otherwise be lost, all making sure they would be passed down through the generations. Jiggs changed the face of Indian dining by elevating classics into fine dining experiences that have long inspired chefs around the world.

Contemporary Icons in the Culinary World

Vikas Khanna is a Global Food Ambassador

Vikas Khanna is a Michelin-star chef who has made Indian cuisine popular around the world. As the face behind the popular Indian restaurant Junoon in New York, as well as the host of MasterChef India, Vikas is a household name. His philanthropic projects and films like The Last Color reflect not just his range but their ethos of rooting themselves in India.