Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna recently hosted Zohran Mamdani for an iftar dinner at his restaurant Bungalow in East Village, New York.

The special evening, held during Ramadan, became even more meaningful for Khanna as it marked a reunion after more than 25 years. He shared glimpses of the event on Instagram, calling it a deeply emotional and personal moment.

A special evening at 'Bungalow'

The restaurant was decorated with flower petals and lamps, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the occasion. Mamdani arrived in a simple outfit and was seen interacting with the team, posing for pictures, and later visiting the kitchen.

He also praised the staff for their “incredible food,” adding to the celebratory mood of the evening. Though Bungalow is known for its Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition and high standards, the evening stood out for its emotional significance rather than just the hospitality.

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A journey that came full circle

Khanna reflected on how he first met Mamdani in 2001, during a difficult phase of his life when he had just overcome homelessness and started working at Salaam Bombay restaurant in Tribeca.

“It was in 2001 when I first met Zohran Mamdani,” he wrote. “I had just survived homelessness, left a very abusive job, and started working at Salaam Bombay restaurant in Tribeca. I loved the name — it was also my favourite film by the iconic Mira Nair.”

He recalled meeting filmmaker Mira Nair and her young son Zohran at the time. He shared, “One day, Mira walked in with her very young 8-year-old son, Zohran,” he added. “Mira was one of the most supportive humans I met in New York. Over the years, we stayed in touch, and I had the privilege of catering some of her events.”

Now, years later, hosting Mamdani as a global leader at his own restaurant felt like a complete circle.

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“And today, 25+ years later, I had the honour of cooking for that same young boy, now a global leader shaping the future of New York City. Life truly comes full circle,” he wrote.

He also described the iftar moment as deeply emotional. He also added, “When Mysha served him a date to break his fast today, it was an emotional and deeply proud moment for us.”Khanna concluded by thanking Mamdani for the visit, saying it made the experience even more meaningful.