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Our Legacy

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Origins & Culinary Foundation

Raja Jhanjee is a distinguished restaurateur whose culinary journey began at the worldrenowned Bukhara restaurant at the ITC Maurya Sheraton Hotel in New Delhi, India an institution globally celebrated for defining Northwest Frontier cuisine.

Immersed in this legendary environment, Raja Jhanjee trained extensively within the ITC Hotels culinary and hospitality ecosystem, working across multiple departments and refining his craft at flagship restaurants including Bukhara and Dum Pukht. This early foundation shaped a philosophy that continues to define the brand today: preserve authenticity, respect technique, and deliver excellence without compromise.guests to slow down, share, and create cherished memories.

With over 40 years of hands-on culinary and hospitality experience, Raja Jhanjee brings depth, discipline, and credibility rooted in one of the world’s most respected culinary traditions.

From New Delhi to New York

In 1990, Raja Jhanjee relocated to the United States with a vision to introduce American diners to the true depth and character of Northwest Frontier cuisine, beyond adaptations and stereotypes.

That vision came to life in 1999 with the opening of Bukhara Grill in New York City. The restaurant quickly established itself as one of Manhattan’s most respected Indian dining destinations, celebrated for its robust flavors, tandoor-grilled specialties, and faithful execution of time-honored recipes.

For over two decades, Bukhara Grill NYC served as a culinary landmark, earning loyalty from locals, global travelers, and the South Asian diaspora alike.

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Evolution & Continuity

Following the challenges of the pandemic, the Bukhara Grill legacy continued to evolve, never retreating from its roots yet adapting with resilience and vision. Today, under the leadership of Raja Jhanjee and his sons, Akshay Jhanjee and Arnav Jhanjee, the brand stands revitalized, seamlessly blending tradition with modern hospitality while preserving the soul and authenticity of its cuisine.

Akshay Jhanjee, who has been working alongside Raja since the original Bukhara on 49th Street, has cultivated a deep and comprehensive understanding of the business from the ground up. Over the years, he has worked in every position and department, immersing himself in all aspects of operations, service, and kitchen management. Today, Akshay oversees the New Jersey location as well as the entire Bukhara Grill catering division, ensuring that the same standards of excellence and authenticity are maintained across every touchpoint of the brand.

Arnav Jhanjee, the younger son, works closely with Raja at the new Bukhara Grill in NYC, contributing his energy, insight, and passion to every element of the Manhattan flagship. Together, the family team ensures that every guest experience reflects the brand’s heritage, its dedication to craftsmanship, and its commitment to delivering a truly exceptional dining journey.

Through this dynamic leadership, Bukhara Grill continues to honor its storied past while embracing a future defined by growth, innovation, and unwavering culinary excellence. The evolution of the brand is not just a continuation it is a testament to the dedication, skill, and vision of a family committed to redefining Indian dining at the highest level.