Dinner at Bungalow NYC: A Culinary Journey by Chef Vikas Khanna
Looking for an unforgettable dining experience in New York City? Bungalow NYC, an Indian fine dining restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna, is a gem you absolutely must visit. Known for its exquisite menu, opulent decor, and exceptional service, this is one of the hardest reservations to secure in the city!
From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re transported into a world of elegance and warmth, where soulful Indian flavors meet breathtaking design. Here’s a detailed account of our experience and why Bungalow deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
A Challenging Start but a Warm Welcome
Our night at Bungalow started with a bit of an adventure. A traffic accident at the Holland Tunnel turned our 30-minute journey into a stressful 1-hour-20-minute ordeal, causing us to arrive 40 minutes late for our 7:00 PM reservation. Despite this, the staff’ kindness and professionalism were unmatched.
They graciously accommodated us, making it clear that while they couldn’t extend our dinner seating due to subsequent reservations, we were welcome to enjoy our desserts in the waiting area afterward. Their hospitality truly set the tone for a wonderful evening.
Ambiance: Where Elegance Meets Old-World Charm
Bungalow’s decor is nothing short of stunning. The space strikes a balance between modern luxury and old-world Indian charm, with intricate details that make the atmosphere feel both cozy and opulent.
Here are a few standout features:
- Floral and Fauna Accents: Lush greenery and floral touches create a serene yet vibrant setting.
- Waiting Area: The waiting area feels like an experience of its own, with a chic bar and plenty of seating. The bookshelves add a touch of nostalgia, evoking memories of a charming Indian home library.
- Drinks: The bar menu is just as impressive as the food, offering innovative and flavorful cocktails that perfectly complement the meal.
The Food: Soulful and Unforgettable
Bungalow’s menu is a celebration of Indian cuisine, reimagined through the lens of Chef Vikas Khanna’s creativity. Each dish is a story of flavors and textures, some of which truly stood out for us.
Chef Vikas Khanna: A Highlight of the Experience
One of the most remarkable aspects of dining at Bungalow is Chef Vikas Khanna himself. He makes it a point to visit every table, always with a warm smile and a kind word for his guests.
In fact, Chef Khanna personally served us one of the dishes, transporting us back to the essence of Indian hospitality. His presence added a personal touch that elevated the experience, making it feel as though we were dining in someone’s home rather than a restaurant.
Our Favorites:
- Yogurt Kebab: A crispy, golden crust encased the creamiest yogurt filling- a bite of pure perfection.
- Achari Aloo: Packed with tangy achari flavors, this dish was a delightful burst of spice and texture.
- Dal Bungalow: Warm, comforting, and full of authentic flavors, the black dal felt like a hug in a bowl.
- Banarasi Puri: This innovative dish was a highlight, offering a unique twist on traditional flavors.
- Paneer: The paneer was incredibly soft, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. While the gravy leaned on the sweeter side for my taste, the dish was still a crowd-pleaser.
- Tandoori Roti: The roti was perfectly crisp and textured, complementing the curries beautifully. The flour was sourced from India and so good.
- Drinks: The creative cocktails were a revelation. Each one was thoughtfully crafted and bursting with flavors that added a unique layer to the meal.
- Service: The service was impeccable, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure our experience was seamless.
What Didn’t Hit the Mark
While most of the meal was exceptional, a couple of items didn’t quite meet expectations:
- Desserts: Unfortunately, the desserts didn’t stand out. I’d recommend ordering another appetizer instead and skip them. We treed the gulaab jam ice cream with molten cake and the rose kulfi,
- Five Cheese Kulcha: While interesting in concept, the kulcha lacked the bold flavors that stood out in the other dishes. The kulcha wasn’t cooked enough according to me.
- Paneer Gravy: The paneer’s texture was perfect, but the gravy was too sweet for my preference and missed an oomph.
Chef Vikas Khanna: A Highlight of the Experience
One of the most remarkable aspects of dining at Bungalow is Chef Vikas Khanna himself. He makes it a point to visit every table, always with a warm smile and a kind word for his guests.
In fact, Chef Khanna personally served us one of the dishes, transporting us back to the essence of Indian hospitality. His presence added a personal touch that elevated the experience, making it feel as though we were dining in someone’s home rather than a restaurant.
Final Thoughts
Dinner at Bungalow NYC is more than just a meal- it’s an experience. From the stunning ambiance to the soulful dishes crafted by a culinary legend, every element comes together to create a night to remember.
I was asked if I saw kids dining, because children under the age of 10 are discouraged. This is because they have no high chairs and space for strollers. There were children there, the youngest being about 5-6 years old, however they had no strollers with them and they booked a seat for the child.
What truly sets Bungalow apart is the personal touch brought by Chef Vikas Khanna himself. His hospitality, humility, and genuine warmth are a rare treat that elevates the dining experience to an extraordinary level.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in some of the finest Indian cuisine NYC has to offer, Bungalow is the place to be. Just be sure to book well in advance- reservations open on rest at 11am, 20 days before.
