Vikas Khanna Backs Kolkata Chai Co.: Why the Michelin-Star Chef Is Betting on CHAI in America

Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna is expanding his entrepreneurial footprint beyond restaurants. Through Bungalow Hospitality Investments, the investment platform he co-founded with restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi, Khanna has announced a strategic investment in Kolkata Chai Co., one of New York’s fastest-growing Indian beverage brands. The partnership marks the first investment by Bungalow Hospitality Investments and reflects growing confidence in the global appeal of Indian food and beverage brands.

What Is the Partnership About?

The agreement includes both a financial investment and a long-term business collaboration.

Beginning this summer, Bungalow Hospitality Management will serve Kolkata Chai Co.’s signature Masala Chai at its New York City restaurants, including GupShup and the upcoming Punjab Meet House.

The companies also plan to launch limited-edition collaborative menu offerings later this year.

Why Kolkata Chai Co.?

Founded in 2019 by siblings Ani Sanyal and Ayan Sanyal, Kolkata Chai Co. was created with a simple mission: introducing authentic Indian chai to American audiences.

The company now operates cafés across New York City while also selling packaged chai blends and concentrates through retail and online channels.

Its rapid growth has made it one of the most recognisable South Asian beverage brands in the United States.

Hasan Minhaj Is Already an Investor

Vikas Khanna isn’t the first prominent name to back the company.

In 2024, Emmy Award-winning comedian Hasan Minhaj joined Kolkata Chai Co. as an investor and business partner, helping expand the brand’s cultural storytelling and media presence.

Welcoming Khanna, Minhaj described the chef as one of the biggest ambassadors of Indian cuisine globally and called his arrival an exciting milestone for the company.

Why This Investment Matters

The partnership comes as Indian cuisine continues gaining mainstream popularity across North America.

From regional Indian restaurants to consumer packaged food brands, South Asian businesses are witnessing unprecedented growth and visibility.

For Khanna, the investment aligns with a broader vision of supporting the next generation of Indian food entrepreneurs while expanding authentic Indian flavours internationally.

Rather than simply opening restaurants, he is now helping build brands that can scale across hospitality, retail and consumer products.

About Bungalow Hospitality Investments

Bungalow Hospitality Investments is a newly launched platform focused on investing in and mentoring emerging food and hospitality businesses.

Founded by Vikas Khanna and Jimmy Rizvi, the platform aims to identify brands with long-term growth potential while strengthening the global presence of Indian cuisine.

Kolkata Chai Co. becomes its first official investment, setting the tone for what could become a larger portfolio of food and beverage ventures.

Vikas Khanna’s Growing Business Journey

Vikas Khanna has expanded beyond his Michelin-starred culinary career into entrepreneurship. He continues to build businesses that showcase Indian culture globally. This investment reflects that long-term vision. Such partnerships could help make chai as globally recognised as coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Kolkata Chai Co.?

Founded in 2019, Kolkata Chai Co. is a New York-based brand serving authentic Indian chai through cafés and retail products.

Why did Vikas Khanna invest in Kolkata Chai Co.?

The investment supports his vision of growing authentic Indian food and beverage brands globally through Bungalow Hospitality Investments.

Who owns Kolkata Chai Co.?

Siblings Ani Sanyal and Ayan Sanyal founded the company in 2019.

Who else has invested in Kolkata Chai Co.?

Actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj joined the company as an investor and business partner in 2024.

Where will Kolkata Chai now be served?

Its Masala Chai will be available at GupShup and Punjab Meet House, both part of Bungalow Hospitality Management in New York City.