New York City’s culinary scene is buzzing with excitement as Semma, the only Indian restaurant to hold a Michelin star, has once again earned the coveted honor. For the second year in a row, this exceptional South Indian restaurant has retained its Michelin star, a testament to its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and consistent top-tier dining experience.
Located in the heart of New York, Semma, under the expert guidance of Chef Vijaya Kumar, offers a unique and authentic exploration of South Indian flavors. The restaurant’s dedication to maintaining impeccable ambience, consistently delicious food, and attentive service has clearly resonated with the Michelin inspectors. The Michelin star isn’t just an accolade; it’s a symbol of excellence in all aspects of the dining experience, and Semma’s continued success speaks volumes about its dedication to these standards.
The news was met with overwhelming celebration. Semma’s official Instagram account expressed their gratitude, stating, “We’re thrilled and honored to announce that @semmanyc has retained its Michelin Star for a second year! Many thanks to @michelinguide @michelininspectors for continuing to recognize the hard work that @chef.vijayakumar and our entire team puts into every moment. We’re continually indebted to our community that continues to show up for what we believe in- #unapologeticfoods. Here’s to another great year!” The heartfelt message perfectly captures the team’s pride and appreciation for their loyal patrons.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, renowned food critic Vir Sanghvi took to X (formerly Twitter) to extend his congratulations, tweeting, “Congratulations to the amazing Chef Vijay for retaining his Michelin star for Semma in New York. Congratulations also to Chintan Pandya & Roni Mazumdar who run the group behind Semma.” This endorsement from a respected figure in the culinary world further solidifies Semma’s reputation and achievement.
Chef Kumar’s culinary journey is as remarkable as his restaurant’s success. Born and raised in the small town of Natham in Tamil Nadu, he honed his skills at culinary school in Tiruchy, graduating in 2001. Before Semma, he helmed two acclaimed restaurants in San Francisco, ‘Dosa’ and ‘Rasa,’ the latter of which also earned a Michelin star before its closure in 2015. His experience and passion are evident in Semma’s celebrated menu.
Partnering with Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya of Unapologetic Foods, Chef Kumar created Semma, a name meaning “awesome” in English. Their vision was to present authentic South Indian cuisine without compromising on authenticity or flavor for a New York audience. This commitment to culinary integrity is clearly reflected in the restaurant’s success. The menu itself showcases a range of Chettinad dishes inspired by Chef Kumar’s childhood, focusing on the unique and flavorful micro-regional specialties of his home state, making Semma a truly exceptional dining destination. This repeat Michelin star win cements Semma’s place not only as a top New York City restaurant but as a leading voice in the global Indian culinary landscape.
