Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s Khazana restaurant in Palo Alto offers a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine, blending authentic flavors with contemporary presentation in a sophisticated setting.
For millions across the Indian subcontinent, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is more than just a culinary icon; he is a beloved household name and a mentor in the kitchen. Kapoor has been a trailblazer in bringing Indian cooking to television, long before food became a form of entertainment. His warm smile and effortless command over spices revolutionized home cooking through “Khana Khazana,” Asia’s longest-running cooking show, which aired an impressive 649 episodes. He further solidified his influence as a media pioneer by launching “FoodFood,” India’s first 24/7 food and lifestyle channel.
In recognition of his contributions, the Indian government awarded him the Best Chef of India title and the prestigious Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian honor. These accolades reflect his significant cultural impact both in India and around the world.
Kapoor’s ambitions have always extended beyond television. In 1998, he opened the first Khazana restaurant in Dubai, aiming to present Indian cuisine on the global stage with the finesse and elegance it deserves. Today, that vision has expanded into a global empire of 81 restaurants across 10 countries, under eight distinct culinary brands. Last year, he introduced his flagship concept—Khazana—to Palo Alto, marking the brand’s debut in the United States.
Khazana Palo Alto represents decades of culinary storytelling by a chef who has elevated Indian food to the global gourmet spotlight. This restaurant is Kapoor’s second establishment on the Peninsula, following The Yellow Chilli in Santa Clara, but Khazana is considered the crown jewel. His philosophy centers on authenticity, innovation, and accessibility, as he believes Indian cuisine should be as revered internationally as French or Japanese food—elegant, expressive, and deserving of fine-dining acclaim. At Khazana, Kapoor successfully bridges tradition and modernity, crafting each dish using time-honored techniques while presenting them with contemporary flair.
The restaurant’s interior reflects a seamless blend of modern elegance and Indian artistry. Designed to evoke a sense of understated luxury, the space features warm, earthy tones, hand-carved wood accents, and custom lighting that casts a golden glow across the dining area. Contemporary furniture is paired with subtle nods to Indian design, including jaali-inspired patterns, traditional textiles, and curated art pieces that celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage. An open kitchen concept allows diners to catch glimpses of the culinary craftsmanship, enhancing the overall dining experience. The ambiance is refined yet welcoming, making Khazana feel both globally sophisticated and deeply rooted in tradition.
Chef Kapoor personally curated the menu, ensuring that each dish reflects his culinary vision. For starters, guests can enjoy Shimeji Pepper Fry, featuring mushrooms with a black pepper kick served alongside paratha. The menu also includes Jackfruit and Avocado Tacos made with millet tortillas and spiced jackfruit, as well as Ancho Chili Paneer Tikka and Edamame Panipuri, which combines crispy puris with spiced edamame.
For meat and seafood enthusiasts, Khazana offers Kashmiri-style lamb chops infused with saffron and fennel, along with a fiery Bedgi Chilli Chicken. The tandoori seabass, marinated Chilean seabass cooked in a clay oven, and Argentinean shrimp presented with a spicy batter cater to those seeking bold flavors.
Main courses feature classic vegetarian options such as baingan bharta and sarson da saag, a leafy green puree with a truffle twist, alongside dal tadka. Non-vegetarian selections include fish tikka masala, creamy kali mirch chicken with black pepper, and Mango Butter Chicken. Diners can also savor the Malabari Prawn in Sourdough Bowl, rich with coconut milk, and Laal Maas Keema Bati, a goat dish with red chili.
Khazana’s Signature selection showcases dishes like Lalla Mussa Dal, which is simmered overnight, and Rogan Josh Nalli, lamb shanks in a Kashmiri spiced curd sauce. The menu also features Chicken Tariwala, a spicy chicken curry inspired by the famous Puran Singh da dhaba on the Delhi-Ambala Highway, and Shaam Savera, soft cottage cheese stuffed spinach dumplings in a perfectly spiced tomato sauce.
No Indian meal would be complete without biryani, and Khazana offers chicken, vegetarian, lamb, and prawn versions, all cooked with aromatic rice and spices, sealed with dough and served with gravy.
For dessert, guests can indulge in Baked Mishti Doi, a Kolkata-style treat with apricot, or try the vegan Badam Kheer. The menu also features a twist on gajar ka halwa with their Carrot Pudding Puff Tart, Motichoor Ladoo-inspired cheesecake, and the classic gulab jamun. Complementing the cuisine, Khazana boasts a full bar serving a variety of classic drinks, special house cocktails, and many Indian-inspired seasonal creations.
The word “Khazana” translates to treasure, and this culinary treasure is now just around the corner for those in Palo Alto.
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