Chef Vijay Kumar is the Executive Chef and co-owner of the Michelin-starred Semma in New York’s West Village, where he celebrates bold, unapologetic Southern Indian cuisine inspired by his childhood in Tamil Nadu. Growing up on his grandparents’ farm, he learned to cook with freshly foraged ingredients like snails and hunted game, developing a deep respect for traditional flavors and rustic techniques. After formal training at the State Institute of Hotel Management in Tiruchirappalli and early roles at Taj Connemara in Chennai, he spent time on international cruise liners before moving to the United States. In California, he made his mark at the acclaimed Rasa, which earned and retained a Michelin star under his leadership. In 2021, Kumar brought his heritage to New York with Semma, a restaurant rooted in his memories and regional authenticity. Semma received a Michelin star in 2022 and again in 2023, firmly establishing Kumar as a leading voice in Indian cuisine. His food is as personal as it is powerful, grounded in history yet elevated with precision.