EP #127: Vijay Kumar - Chef & Partner At Semma (Michelin Star Restaurant In New York City)

Vijay Kumar ( @chef.vijayakumar ) is a chef-partner at Semma ( @semmanyc , the only Michelin Star [ @michelinguide ] Indian restaurant in New York City), one of the hottest food spots in the city!

He joins Ara on this week’s episode of #TheTamilCreator to discuss transitioning from engineering to being a chef to excel in the culinary mecca of New York, going from starting a business in only two months to having his authentic South Indian food be recognized by the likes of the New York Times and Padma Lakshmi ( @padmalakshmi ), him sharing the best part about running the restaurant and so much more.

Follow Vijay:
- Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/chef.vijayakumar/)

Timestamps

00:19 - Ara introduces this week’s guest, Vijay Kumar
01:17 - What led him to this career path
02:59 - The demand of running a restaurant
04:42 - Wondering if he should’ve stuck with engineering
05:46 - Moving to New York City
09:34 - Coming up with the restaurant name; Semma?
10:42 - Building up his business; how long did it take?
12:24 - Cooking unapologetically
14:35 - The reception he received from non-Indian New Yorkers
16:26 - How he got a Michelin star
17:53 - Hosting Padma Lakshmi at his restaurant
20:00 - Not taking a vacation in three years
20:24 - His favourite dish to cook
21:08 - The exaggeration of cooking shows/movies
21:58 - Will he become a global brand ambassador for Indian cuisine?
22:41 - Initially aspiring to break barriers
23:37 - Are there negatives to his restaurant receiving so much attention?
24:09 - His favourite places to eat at in New York
26:20 - His favourite thing about New York City; the welcoming vibe
26:58 - One of his biggest learning lessons; COVID
28:57 - The Tamil community in New York City
30:01 - Advice he would give his 16-year-old self
30:57 - How he wants to be remembered by friends and family
31:48 - Creator Confessions
39:35 - The Wrap Up

Intro Music

Produced And Mixed By:
- The Tamil Creator
- Yanchan

Written By:
- Aravinthan Ehamparam
- Yanchan Rajmohan