Chef K.N. Vinod

K.N. Vinod is an internationally respected chef, culinary consultant, and cultural storyteller who has shaped the narrative of Indian cuisine in the United States for over three decades. Known for a philosophy that is regionally rooted yet globally informed, Chef Vinod serves as a vital bridge between centuries-old tradition and modern culinary innovation.

A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management in Madras, Vinod’s foundation is uniquely pan-Indian and international. After training in leading hotels across India, he served as the inaugural chef of Burgundy in New Delhi, apprenticing under the legendary Chef Roger Moncourt. This classical French discipline, later refined at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, allows him to interpret the diverse flavors of India with world-class technical precision.

Throughout his career as a restaurateur in the Washington, D.C. region, Chef Vinod’s work earned acclaim from The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and the Michelin Guide. He has had the distinct honor of cooking at the James Beard House and serving presidents, foreign dignitaries, and global leaders.

In recent years, Chef Vinod has successfully translated his expertise for the digital age; his collaborative content on TikTok and Instagram, including viral features with creator Danny Kim, has reached a global audience of over 21 million viewers. Today, he focuses on sharing the "soul" of Indian food through immersive culinary tours, his upcoming book, and his role as a consultant for RASA. A member of José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen Chef Network, he continues to be a leading ambassador for the rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent.