How Indian chef defied odds to win food Oscar and take Tamil cuisine global
Published: 6/28/2025
Chef Vijay Kumar made a groundbreaking achievement by winning the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: New York State, thrusting Tamil cuisine onto the global culinary stage. Hailing from a small village in Tamil Nadu, Kumar's culinary journey highlights the rise of South Indian voices in the international food scene. Co-founding Semma restaurant in New York, his farm-to-table approach presents authentic, seasonal dishes that dismantle clichés and celebrate Tamil heritage with dishes like nathai pirattal and a fresh take on French escargot.
