For our 50th podcast today, Rajan travels to Canada to meet Vikram Vij, an Indian-born Canadian chef, cookbook author, an investor on Dragons Den, and mentor to the masses. Today’s session is a rare insight into the man behind the ingredients, an open book of emotions, and a fortunate stroke of serendipity.
In pursuit of happiness and wearing his heart on his sleeve, Vikram Vij speaks about the challenges he faces from the aftermath of his divorce, fame, and the highs and lows and views on life that will resonate with many.
Brief History on our guest:
Vikram Vij grew up in India, left in 1984 to study hotel management in Austria, and went to Canada in 1989, where he took a job at the Banff Springs Hotel, after a chance meeting with the General Manager of the hotel who was visiting Vienna. He immediately recognized the opportunity to establish himself in a country that was still growing and finding its way with culinary arts and opened his first restaurant in Vancouver in 1994.
A chef with his heart still deeply entwined with the culture he grew up in, his passion lies in bringing the scents, textures, colors, and tastes of his country to his adopted home in Vancouver. Vikram’s restaurants have an almost cult-like following with customers returning regularly so it’s rare for you to find a person in Canada who has not heard of Vikram or his restaurants. And with his ‘No Reservation Rule’ still intact, you will hear many Vancouverites share tactics of when to visit and get a table.
For more information on Vikram Vij’s restaurants, visit https://vijs.ca
What are your thoughts on Vikram’s advice, and how have you created a sense of belonging in the country you now call home? Share your comments below.
About the Global Indian Series:
My name is Rajan Nazran and in the past 15 years, I have travelled to over 58 countries, taking on some of the biggest conversations and covering stories from around the globe. My appetite for exploration, inside know-how and good food, has seen me voyaging far and wide, from the edges of the Amazon Rainforest, battling against the hurricanes of the Caribbean, being taken hostage in Eastern Europe, through to facing Ebola in West Africa. But now I take on my biggest expedition so far…discovering countries and places that are home to our diaspora and the real experiences that come with it.
The Global Indian Series is an immersive platform that provides original, memorable, and exclusive content with on-ground interviews and insights from incredible people. It also provides a platform to celebrate the extraordinary tentacles of Identity that has weaved itself across the globe and the conversations you need to know. In addition to our award-winning podcasts, we run our print feature in partnership with The Indian Express, host events worldwide and have an upcoming docu-series.
How to get involved:
Interested in getting involved in building the world’s largest living encyclopedia on the community? Whether you want to become a patron, buy us a chai in a new location or have your story shown, simply get in touch via our website, we would love to hear from you. www.GlobalindianSeries.com
Social media:
You can reach Rajan via
Instagram: @rajannazran
Linkedin: RajanNazran
Youtube: Global Indian Series
Special thank you to- TAIZU for the music
Episode: 50
Presenter – Rajan Nazran
Producer –Global Indian Series/NazranRoth
Guest – Vikram Vij
Art Design – Vanisha Patel
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Did you know that there are over 70,000 people of Indian origin that call Portugal home? In fact, our print feature on Portugal was viewed over 30 million times and we were fortunate whilst there, to meet with some of Europe’s greatest minds, including today’s sponsors. To find out more about their personal stories and how they have redefined identity and reshaped Portugal –
Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts Luxury Family Holiday Everything about Martinhal is designed with families in mind. From high-class family-friendly accommodation to restaurants, bars, our baby concierge, kids clubs and leisure activities, Martinhal allows families to spend time together in a five star environment. For unforgettable family holiday memories, look no further than Martinhal. Chitra Stern Our Podcast with Chitra –
At Nova SBE we believe change is unstoppable. We take responsibility for nourishing the bright minds who will lead us through the future. We believe that it is our duty to stay at the forefront of innovation, sustaining excellence and rigor while preparing the leaders of tomorrow to contribute to an open, sustainable, and more inclusive world. Our programs help students discover where they can excel and have a meaningful impact. We create a space where students can obtain the know-how and the attitude that breeds achievement and, ultimately, fosters their individual and collective potential. Nova SBE is the place where ideas and ideals can flourish: a common ground for all those curious minds and resilient souls who believe there is always space to learn more, do good, be better. And, as always, we welcome you to join us in this bright new chapter of our story. Daniel Traça To find out more about Nova and our visit to the campus
For our 50th podcast today, Rajan travels to Canada to meet Vikram Vij, an Indian-born Canadian chef, cookbook author, investor on Dragons Den, and mentor to the masses. Today’s session is a rare insight into the man behind the ingredients, an open book …
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This episode brought a tear to my eyes, Rahul and the family truly show how strong people can be, even down to their youngest. I appreciate Rahul discussing openly, and bringing awareness to our community. Absolutely amazing podcast.
Ravi – USA
A really graphic and real delivery of his journey, he showed a lot of courage and probably said things that he didn’t plan to share, but this doesn’t just happen, it’s down to the skill of the interviewer in creating the right environment for the conversation to grow and open up.
Ranjeet – Norway
The sheer brutality and honesty in the podcast is refreshing. Reminds us all that we need to have these open conversations in order for things to positively change. This one gave me shivers!
Mitesh – Ireland
Just finished listening to part 2 of this week’s podcast and makes me wonder why life is tough for girls/women specially in India and Pakistan and i am sure there are many other countries but makes me feel happy that the younger generation are trying to make a difference. Thanks Rajan for doing such interviews.
Meena – Italy
It is fascinating to get a historical perspective – Indians were considered black when they joined the anti apartheid fight but were seen as Indians again once the main fight was over…. reflecting the difficulty of being a minority, albeit a large one in South Africa
Toddy – UK
Awesome… I salute you Rajesh Gopi, well done. Let’s celebrate our Indian heritage-looking forward to more podcasts!!!
Usha – South Africa
Thank you to Rajan Nazran and Rajesh Gopi. Love to all our listeners.
Ila Arun – India
wow listening to Ameesha gave me Goosebumps and its amazing how she went back to what she was good at, what she left for society for parents.
Mina – Portugal
Wow very impressive! I have heard Chitra’s name so much and now heard this podcast!
@Mina – Portugal
A very honest account and reflects upon the numerous prejudices which exists in our community. This is an excellent platform!
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