Vikram Vij is a renowned Indian-born chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and television personality based in Canada. He is known for his innovative fusion cuisine that combines Indian flavors with Western cooking techniques. Vij has won several awards for his culinary achievements, and his restaurants have become destinations for food lovers from all over the world.
Early Life and Education
Vikram Vij was born on December 14, 1964, in Amritsar, Punjab, India. He grew up in a family that valued food and hospitality, and his mother was an excellent cook who instilled in him a love for food and cooking from a young age. After completing his high school education in India, Vij moved to Austria to study hotel management. He later moved to Canada to pursue his culinary ambitions.
Career
Vikram Vij began his culinary career in 1989, working as a chef at various restaurants in Canada. In 1994, he opened his first restaurant, Vij’s, in Vancouver, along with his then-wife, Meeru Dhalwala. The restaurant quickly became a popular destination for food lovers, thanks to its unique and innovative fusion cuisine that combined Indian flavors with Western cooking techniques.
In 2004, Vij and Dhalwala opened a second restaurant, Rangoli, which focused on casual dining and takeout. The restaurant featured a rotating menu of Indian street food and snacks, as well as a selection of sweets and desserts.
Vij has also authored several cookbooks, including “Vij’s: Elegant and Inspired Indian Cuisine,” “Vij’s at Home: Relax, Honey,” and “Vij: A Chef’s One-Way Ticket to Canada with Indian Spices in His Suitcase.” His cookbooks have received critical acclaim and have been praised for their innovative recipes and accessible writing style.
In addition to his culinary pursuits, Vikram Vij is also a television personality. He has appeared as a judge on several cooking competition shows, including “Top Chef Canada,” “Chopped Canada,” and “Recipe to Riches.” He has also hosted his own television series, “Vij’s Kitchen,” which aired on Food Network Canada.
Awards and Achievements
Vikram Vij’s culinary achievements have earned him numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2005, he was named Chef of the Year by the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. In 2011, he was inducted into the British Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame. In 2014, he was awarded the Order of British Columbia, one of the province’s highest honors.
Vij’s restaurant has also been recognized as one of the best restaurants in Canada and has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including being named one of the 100 Best Restaurants in Canada by OpenTable.
Philanthropy
Vikram Vij is also a philanthropist who is actively involved in supporting various charitable causes. He has worked with organizations such as the David Suzuki Foundation, the Vancouver Food Bank, and the United Way. In 2016, he launched the Vij’s Family Foundation, which supports education, health, and nutrition initiatives for underprivileged children in India and Canada.
Personal Life
Vikram Vij is currently married to Meeru Dhalwala, his business partner and co-owner of Vij’s and Rangoli restaurants. The couple has two daughters, Shanik and Myrah.
