Discover the inspiring journey of Chef Vikram Vij, from his roots in India to creating My Shanti—a culinary gem in Surrey, BC that celebrates diverse Indian flavours.
Chef Vikram Vij – My Shanti
A Culinary Tale of Culture and Passion
Canada’s culinary landscape wouldn’t be the same without the influence of Chef Vikram Vij, a trailblazing restaurateur, chef, and entrepreneur. Known for his charismatic personality, bold flavours, and love for storytelling through food, Vikram Vij has redefined Indian cuisine for Canadians. His restaurant, My Shanti, located in South Surrey, British Columbia, isn’t just a place to dine—it’s an experience inspired by his travels across India. With a sparkling façade and deeply personal menu, My Shanti reflects Vij’s dedication to authenticity and creativity. This blog explores the journey of the man behind the spice—his roots, rise, impact, and what’s next.
Early Life and Background
Vikram Vij was born in 1964 in Amritsar, a culturally rich city in the Indian state of Punjab. Raised in a traditional Indian household, Vij developed an early appreciation for food through family meals steeped in spices, stories, and warmth. His passion for cooking was evident from a young age, even as he navigated the expectations of a more conventional career path.
In the late 1980s, Vij moved to Austria to pursue formal culinary training at the Salzburg Hotel Management School. This European foundation gave him a unique blend of classical technique and global perspective. After his training, he moved to Canada in 1989, driven by the desire to create something distinct—an authentic Indian dining experience in a Western culinary market that, at the time, lacked such representation.
Career Journey
Vij’s culinary career in Canada began humbly. After gaining early experience in restaurants such as Banff Springs Hotel, he launched his first restaurant, Vij’s, in Vancouver in 1994 with then-wife Meeru Dhalwala. The restaurant quickly gained critical acclaim for breaking away from stereotypical Indian cuisine—no butter chicken on the menu, but instead a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bold Indian flavours.
Vij’s approach revolutionized how Indian food was perceived in Canada. His refusal to dilute authenticity for Western tastes earned him a loyal customer base and national recognition. Vij and Dhalwala co-authored cookbooks like Vij’s: Elegant and Inspired Indian Cuisine, sharing their philosophy and recipes with home cooks across North America.
In 2014, Vij opened My Shanti, his solo project in South Surrey. Inspired by his travels throughout India, each dish and design element reflects a specific memory or region. The shimmering, sequined exterior of the restaurant symbolizes the glitz of Indian storytelling, while the menu explores the diversity of India’s culinary heritage—from coastal curries to Himalayan spices.
Beyond restaurants, Vikram Vij has appeared as a Dragon, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs. He’s also been involved in numerous food festivals and charity events, positioning himself as both a culinary innovator and a cultural ambassador.
Key Achievements & Public Perception
Vikram Vij’s list of accolades is extensive. His restaurants have repeatedly made it to top Canadian dining lists, and he has received prestigious awards like the BC Food Processors Association Leadership Award. His appearance on Dragons’ Den brought culinary entrepreneurship into the public spotlight, and his television persona made him a household name across Canada.
He’s widely respected for his commitment to preserving the authenticity of Indian cuisine while also modernizing its presentation. His approachable demeanour and infectious passion have made him a beloved figure in Canada’s culinary scene. As a published author and entrepreneur, Vij continues to inspire young chefs, immigrants, and aspiring restaurateurs.
Challenges
Like many public figures, Vij has faced challenges. The dissolution of his partnership with Meeru Dhalwala, both personal and professional, marked a significant shift in his journey. Despite their separation, the duo maintained mutual respect, and Dhalwala continued operating Vij’s while Vikram focused on My Shanti and other ventures.
He has also dealt with the ups and downs of restaurant management in an evolving industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staffing issues, rising costs, and pandemic-related closures tested his resilience—but he has remained an advocate for supporting local and immigrant-run businesses.
Current Role & Future Outlook
Today, Vikram Vij remains active in the Canadian culinary world. He continues to run My Shanti while participating in food and culture events nationwide. He is also a vocal supporter of immigrant entrepreneurship and multiculturalism in Canada.
Looking ahead, Vij aims to expand his culinary brand through packaged foods, virtual cooking classes, and advocacy for culinary education. He remains committed to bridging cultures through food, believing that every dish tells a story and fosters connection.
Conclusion
Vikram Vij is more than a chef—he is a storyteller, entrepreneur, and cultural bridge-builder. Through ventures like My Shanti, he has brought a new lens to Indian cuisine in Canada, celebrating authenticity, innovation, and personal narrative. For Canadian diners and aspiring chefs alike, Vij represents the power of food to transcend borders, spark dialogue, and create community. His influence continues to shape not just how we eat, but how we understand culture through cuisine.
