New Delhi: Imagine you are an Indian, particularly an Assamese, living in New York, always craving for something from your roots. And suddenly you feel a surge of excitement running through your veins. It’s not because you are flying back to your place of birth, but because you got to taste Assam tea at Bungalow, the New York-based restaurant run by Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna.

Assam tea is already on the global map through its rich taste as a product. But hardly as pride. So, surely Bungalow celebrating 200 years of Assam Tea is a matter of honour not only for Assamese people but for every Indian. As a visitor at the restaurant, you will not only get a taste of the state’s iconic tea varieties but will also get to relish tilor laru (sweet balls made of sesame and jaggery) along with other traditional dishes, and a glimpse into its cultural and handloom heritage.

Bungalow celebrates Assamese culture

The ambience at Bungalow will make you feel more at home as a traditional Assamese gamusa, symbolising respect and the state’s vibrant traditions, adorns the entrance of Bungalow. Guests arriving at the week-long festival that began recently are welcomed with assorted Assam teas, accentuating two centuries of craftsmanship and flavour.

In addition to that, the organisers have prepared a bamboo root pickle with Bhoot Jolokia – fiery, unforgettable, which will be served on every table with the main course. The ambience will be fragrant with rare Keteki Flower incense.

And the cherry on the top is the performance of the traditional Bihu dance by a group.

Chef Vikas Khanna’s love for Assam

The week-long festival will attract crowds as the announcement was made during a business roundtable organised by the Consulate General of India in New York at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025. There, Vikas Khanna was the Guest of Honour. The event focused on India’s soft power and Assam’s significant role in the global tea industry.

Chef Vikas Khanna definitely has a bond with Assam as he has visited this north eastern state 11 times. In its praise, he expressed, “Assam’s tea, cuisine, textiles, and traditions are shining examples of India’s soft power. They deserve a global stage, and I’m honoured to celebrate that legacy through this festival.”

Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma couldn’t let behind when it came to his state. Appreciating on social media, he stated, “At the prestigious Summer Fancy Food Show in New York, the 200-year journey of Assam Tea and its enchanting flavours were on display, drawing attention of visitors with special guests like Chef Vikas Khanna joining in and supporting the cause.”