Vijay Kumar
Dindigul
India
Overview
Chef Vijay Kumar, the culinary genius behind the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Semma, has made waves in the food world.
Vijay Kumar’s career began with a three-year diploma in hotel management from the State Institute of Hotel Management in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.
He worked at the Taj Connemara in Chennai before embarking on a culinary adventure that took him across the United States.
After working in California, Vijay Kumar made his way to New York.
His passion for authentic Indian cuisine led him to create dishes that reflected his roots and upbringing.
Semma: The Michelin-Starred Gem:
Semma, meaning “excellent” or “superb” in Tamil, is Vijay Kumar’s brainchild. It’s a Michelin-starred South Indian restaurant located in Manhattan.
The menu at Semma is a delightful blend of traditional flavors and innovative twists.
From cocktails infused with cardamoms and curry leaves to unexpected delicacies like goat intestines and snails, Semma’s offerings are truly exceptional.
Vijay Kumar draws inspiration from his grandmother’s kitchen in his hometown of Natham near Dindigul.
He recreates childhood memories by serving dishes like nathai (snails) cooked with onion, tomato, and tamarind. These snails were once collected from the paddy fields during holidays.
Another favorite at Semma is the humble masala dosa, aptly named the Gunpowder Dosa.
In 2022, Semma became the only Indian restaurant in the US to receive a Michelin star.
Vijay Kumar’s dedication to authentic flavors and his creative approach have earned him well-deserved recognition.
Chef Vijay Kumar’s journey from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, to New York is nothing short of remarkable. His commitment to showcasing real Indian cuisine has left a lasting impression on food enthusiasts worldwide.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Vijay Kumar’s career began with a three-year diploma in hotel management from the State Institute of Hotel Management in Trichy, Tamil Nadu.
He worked at the Taj Connemara in Chennai before embarking on a culinary adventure that took him across the United States.
After working in California, Vijay Kumar made his way to New York.
His passion for authentic Indian cuisine led him to create dishes that reflected his roots and upbringing.
Semma: The Michelin-Starred Gem:
Semma, meaning “excellent” or “superb” in Tamil, is Vijay Kumar’s brainchild. It’s a Michelin-starred South Indian restaurant located in Manhattan.
The menu at Semma is a delightful blend of traditional flavors and innovative twists.
From cocktails infused with cardamoms and curry leaves to unexpected delicacies like goat intestines and snails, Semma’s offerings are truly exceptional.
Vijay Kumar draws inspiration from his grandmother’s kitchen in his hometown of Natham near Dindigul.
He recreates childhood memories by serving dishes like nathai (snails) cooked with onion, tomato, and tamarind. These snails were once collected from the paddy fields during holidays.
Another favorite at Semma is the humble masala dosa, aptly named the Gunpowder Dosa.
In 2022, Semma became the only Indian restaurant in the US to receive a Michelin star.
Vijay Kumar’s dedication to authentic flavors and his creative approach have earned him well-deserved recognition.
Chef Vijay Kumar’s journey from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, to New York is nothing short of remarkable. His commitment to showcasing real Indian cuisine has left a lasting impression on food enthusiasts worldwide.
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