Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna has expanded his presence in the US food and beverage space through a strategic partnership between Bungalow Hospitality Investments and New York-based chai brand Kolkata Chai.
The newly formed Bungalow Hospitality Investments, co-founded by Khanna and restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi, has announced its first investment in Kolkata Chai, a brand established by siblings Ani and Ayan Sanyal in 2019 with a focus on bringing authentic Indian chai to American consumers.
As part of the partnership, Bungalow Hospitality Investments has made a strategic investment in Kolkata Chai and will integrate the brand across Bungalow Hospitality Management’s growing restaurant portfolio in New York City.
Starting this summer, Kolkata Chai’s signature Masala Chai will be introduced across restaurant concepts including GupShup and the upcoming Punjab Meet House. The collaboration will also extend to limited-edition menu offerings planned for later this year.
Kolkata Chai currently operates café locations across New York City and also markets chai blends and concentrates through direct channels and retail distribution networks.
The move comes amid growing mainstream acceptance of South Asian cuisine and beverage brands in the United States. The companies said the partnership reflects increasing consumer interest in Indian food experiences and positions both businesses to capitalise on the evolving market opportunity.
Kolkata Chai had earlier expanded its investor base in 2024 with the addition of Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Hasan Minhaj as an investor and business partner.