Viral: Tamil Nadu chef wins James Beard Award and his acceptance speech has the Internet in tears
After hearing the phrase 'Dream Big' not many are able to open up their imagination to the world. Those who do and put all their hard work into those dreams, end up reaping the fruits of it. But when you achieve a big dream, the claps are loud and so are your own emotions on a journey whose hard work, struggles and success are only privy to you and yours.
Chef Vijay Kumar , the Executive chef of Michelin-starred South Indian restaurant in NYC, Semma, recently won the Best Chef Award at the prestigious James Beard Awards. Originally from Tamil Nadu, he is now the recipient of one of the highest honours in the United States' culinary world. The win is even more special for the 44-year-old as it is his first nomination and win.
In an emotional speech that is now going viral on social media, Kumar reflected on his journey towards success, “When I started cooking, I never thought a dark-skinned boy from Tamil Nadu would make it to a room like this. But the food I grew up on food made with care, with fire, with soul, is now taking the main stage.”
He also emphasised the connection between food and culture, reflecting how a culinary creation has the power to connect all. “There’s no such thing as a poor person’s food or rich person’s food. It’s food. It’s powerful. And the real luxury is to be able to connect with each other around the dinner table. Tonight, Indian cuisine stands tall, Tamil food stands tall, my own food and heritage stand tall, and it all matters. I stand here for everyone who never thought their story belonged to be on a stage like this,” he said.
Netizens praise Chef Kumar's journey and Semma
IAS Supriya Sahu took to X, to share a video of Chef Kumar's speech appreciating his culinary skills and efforts to bring Tamil cuisine into spotlight. “Congratulations to Chef Vijay Kumar on winning the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef, New York. This recognition not only brings spotlight on his exceptional culinary skills but also brings much-deserved attention to Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage on the global stage. Chef Vijay from Dindigul has made a significant impact in New York City’s dining scene with his restaurant, 'Semma' the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in NYC,” she wrote.
Many others also took to the social media platform to appreciate and rejoice in the chef’s win, writing, “Proud Moment For Everyone In India And Specifically Tamil Nadu. Congratulations To Chef Vijay Kumar For Wining This Prestigious Award”
“I'm fortunate to have dined at Semma twice. Each delicious sitting was a lesson in how much of India's rural heritage cuisine is obscured by the dominant caste narratives of vegetarianism. Chef Vijay Kumar's team does stellar, loving work & deserves every laurel & more 👏🏽👏🏽” wrote another sharing their experience of dining at the acclaimed restaurant.
Semma and Chef Vijay Kumar
‘Semma’ is a Tamil word which means ‘awesome; in English. Located in New York, it is the only Indian restaurant in NYC to have a Michelin Star and to top The New York Times best restaurants list.
Chef Vijay Kumar’s culinary journey with the restaurant and in his life serves as a true inspiration for those who believe in their dreams. Hailing from Dindigul city in Tamil Nadu, Chef Kumar revealed how in childhood his grandparents used to take him foraging snails, hunting or fishing. He grew up with no electricity, buses or even proper roads and yet enjoyed that life.
The restaurant, which is popular for its micro-regional dishes, serves Tamil delicacies such as dosa, nathai perattal, dindigul biryani and other Tamil cuisine dishes.
Chef Vijay Kumar , the Executive chef of Michelin-starred South Indian restaurant in NYC, Semma, recently won the Best Chef Award at the prestigious James Beard Awards. Originally from Tamil Nadu, he is now the recipient of one of the highest honours in the United States' culinary world. The win is even more special for the 44-year-old as it is his first nomination and win.
In an emotional speech that is now going viral on social media, Kumar reflected on his journey towards success, “When I started cooking, I never thought a dark-skinned boy from Tamil Nadu would make it to a room like this. But the food I grew up on food made with care, with fire, with soul, is now taking the main stage.”
He also emphasised the connection between food and culture, reflecting how a culinary creation has the power to connect all. “There’s no such thing as a poor person’s food or rich person’s food. It’s food. It’s powerful. And the real luxury is to be able to connect with each other around the dinner table. Tonight, Indian cuisine stands tall, Tamil food stands tall, my own food and heritage stand tall, and it all matters. I stand here for everyone who never thought their story belonged to be on a stage like this,” he said.
Netizens praise Chef Kumar's journey and Semma
IAS Supriya Sahu took to X, to share a video of Chef Kumar's speech appreciating his culinary skills and efforts to bring Tamil cuisine into spotlight. “Congratulations to Chef Vijay Kumar on winning the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef, New York. This recognition not only brings spotlight on his exceptional culinary skills but also brings much-deserved attention to Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage on the global stage. Chef Vijay from Dindigul has made a significant impact in New York City’s dining scene with his restaurant, 'Semma' the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in NYC,” she wrote.
Many others also took to the social media platform to appreciate and rejoice in the chef’s win, writing, “Proud Moment For Everyone In India And Specifically Tamil Nadu. Congratulations To Chef Vijay Kumar For Wining This Prestigious Award”
“I'm fortunate to have dined at Semma twice. Each delicious sitting was a lesson in how much of India's rural heritage cuisine is obscured by the dominant caste narratives of vegetarianism. Chef Vijay Kumar's team does stellar, loving work & deserves every laurel & more 👏🏽👏🏽” wrote another sharing their experience of dining at the acclaimed restaurant.
Semma and Chef Vijay Kumar
‘Semma’ is a Tamil word which means ‘awesome; in English. Located in New York, it is the only Indian restaurant in NYC to have a Michelin Star and to top The New York Times best restaurants list.
Chef Vijay Kumar’s culinary journey with the restaurant and in his life serves as a true inspiration for those who believe in their dreams. Hailing from Dindigul city in Tamil Nadu, Chef Kumar revealed how in childhood his grandparents used to take him foraging snails, hunting or fishing. He grew up with no electricity, buses or even proper roads and yet enjoyed that life.
The restaurant, which is popular for its micro-regional dishes, serves Tamil delicacies such as dosa, nathai perattal, dindigul biryani and other Tamil cuisine dishes.
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