Chef Vijay Kumar, originally from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, has won the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef in New York State, a first for both Indian and Tamil cuisine in the US. As executive chef at Semma New York’s only Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Kumar’s win is a landmark for micro-regional South Indian food on the global stage.
The achievement is also a testament to the vision of Semma’s founders, Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya of Unapologetic Foods, who have revolutionised Indian dining in America. Kumar’s emotional speech, coupled with widespread celebration from the Indian diaspora and culinary world, cements this as a milestone for changemakers everywhere.
From Rural Tamil Nadu to Global Acclaim
Vijay Kumar’s journey began in the paddy fields of rural Tamil Nadu, where he learned to cook traditional dishes with his grandparents. After building his career in kitchens across India and the US including a Michelin-starred stint at Rasa, California Kumar joined Semma in 2021.
His menu draws from his childhood, featuring authentic dishes like nathai pirattal (snail curry) and dindigul biryani, prepared without compromise. In his acceptance speech, Kumar said, “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.” His story has inspired aspiring chefs to embrace their heritage and tell their own stories through food.
Semma: A Vision Realised by Unapologetic Foods
Semma, meaning “fantastic” in Tamil, is part of Unapologetic Foods a restaurant group founded in 2017 by Roni Mazumdar and Chef-Partner Chintan Pandya. Their mission: to present “unapologetically authentic” Indian food and challenge stereotypes about Indian cuisine in the West.
Semma’s Kerala-inspired décor and vibrant, layered flavours have made it one of New York’s most sought-after restaurants, with reservations often booked weeks in advance. The restaurant has earned three consecutive Michelin stars and topped The New York Times’ 2025 list of the 100 Best Restaurants in New York City.
Meet the Founders: Roni Mazumdar & Chintan Pandya
Roni Mazumdar, born in Kolkata and raised in the US, and Chintan Pandya, born in Ahmedabad and raised in Mumbai, are the founders of Unapologetic Foods. Mazumdar, an engineering graduate, and Pandya, a hotel management graduate and chef, met in 2017 and launched acclaimed restaurants like Adda, Dhamaka, Masalawala, and Semma.
Their philosophy centres on authenticity and pride, refusing to dilute Indian flavours or apologise for their origins. Mazumdar says, “We have been apologising to the rest of the world for too long about our food.”
Each restaurant showcases a unique Indian story Dhamaka highlights lesser-known cuisines, Masalawala focuses on Bengal, and Semma reflects Tamil farming heritage. Their work has earned Michelin stars, critical praise, and a devoted following.
A Moment of Pride for India and the Diaspora
Kumar’s win has sparked jubilation across India and among the global Indian diaspora. Officials, including IAS officer Supriya Sahu, have praised the achievement for shining a spotlight on Tamil Nadu’s culinary heritage.
Social media has been abuzz with messages of pride, and food critics have lauded Semma for proving that regional, home-style Indian cooking can reach the highest echelons of international dining.
The story of Semma and its founders is now seen as a beacon for aspiring changemakers in the food industry and beyond.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Chef Vijay Kumar’s ascent supported by visionary founders Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya is a powerful example of how authenticity, courage, and collaboration can transform not just an industry, but also cultural perceptions. Their success demonstrates the importance of staying true to one’s roots while striving for excellence and inclusion.
At The Logical Indian, we believe such changemakers inspire hope, break stereotypes, and encourage a more harmonious, diverse, and empathetic world. How can we, as a community, continue to uplift and empower those who challenge conventions and redefine India’s global identity?
