Chef Vijay Kumar Honored as Global Indian of the Year 2025

Chef Vijay Kumar has been named the Global Indian of the Year at the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year Awards 2025. This recognition comes just weeks after he was awarded the prestigious James Beard Foundation title of Best Chef: New York State. Kumar triumphed in a competitive category that featured notable figures such as Leena Nair, Manish Malhotra, Payal Kapadia, and rapper Hanumankind.

During the award ceremony, Kumar shared a poignant moment with his mother, who joined him on stage. Overcome with emotion, he expressed gratitude for her influence, stating, “All my success is possible because of the upbringing of my mother and the values she taught me.” This moment exemplified the deep connection between his achievements and his roots.

From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Stardom

Now at the age of 44, Kumar’s journey began in the small farming village of Natham in Tamil Nadu. He has crafted a culinary identity that is steeped in memories of his childhood, highlighting traditional cooking methods such as food prepared over firewood and local foraging practices. The meals created by his mother and grandmother continue to inspire his cuisine today.

Kumar’s recent accolades signify a cultural shift in Manhattan’s West Village, where his innovative approach to Tamil and South Indian cuisine is reshaping global perceptions. His victory at the James Beard Awards has been described as a breakthrough moment for Tamil cuisine, which is increasingly being recognized as refined and culturally significant.

Culinary historian Rakesh Raghunathan, based in Chennai, emphasized that Kumar’s recognition aligns with a legacy established by Tamil-origin culinary icons like Raghavan Iyer and Padma Lakshmi. “Tamil cuisine, along with Sri Lankan Tamil and other South Indian traditions, is gaining traction among global diners as something rich and deeply rooted in culture,” he noted.

At the James Beard ceremony, Kumar remarked that the food of his upbringing is “now taking the main stage,” highlighting this moment as one of profound cultural significance.

Celebrating India’s Icons

The Indian of the Year Awards, now in its 15th edition, continues to celebrate individuals whose determination and innovation shape India’s narrative. Launched in 2006, the awards have garnered respect within Indian news broadcasting for their recognition of influential figures. This year’s theme, India’s Invincible Icons, honors changemakers who embody resilience, vision, and a transformative spirit—qualities that resonate with Kumar’s ascent from a village in Tamil Nadu to achieving global culinary acclaim.

As Kumar continues to redefine the landscape of Tamil cuisine, his journey serves as an inspiration not only for aspiring chefs but for anyone striving to make a mark in their respective fields. The accolades he has received reflect a broader cultural appreciation for the rich traditions of South Indian cooking and its place on the world stage.