India’s culinary journey now has a home. In a historic initiative to celebrate the rich diversity of Indian cuisine, the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education proudly houses India’s first Culinary Arts Museum. Inaugurated on April 5, 2018, by renowned Michelin-starred chef and WGSHA alumnus Vikas Khanna, the museum is a tribute to the nation’s vibrant kitchen traditions, dating back centuries.
Spread across 25,000 square feet, the museum is shaped like a giant cooking pot and showcases over 10,000 culinary artifacts from across India and around the world. From Harappan-era clay vessels to antique rolling pins and Portuguese-era kitchenware, the collection captures the evolution of India’s kitchens and food culture.
- A 600-year-old oil extractor carved from neem wood
- Traditional cookware from Karnataka, Chettinad, Goa, Rajasthan, and Kashmir
- Medieval utensils, spice grinders, temple ladles, samovars, and antique stoves
- A special section on eco-friendly cooking tools and lost culinary techniques
The museum is listed in the Limca Book of Records as India’s first living culinary museum, with its exhibits continuing to expand through public donations and research contributions. Some items from the collection have even been displayed internationally to showcase India’s gastronomic history.
“This museum is not just about food,” said Chef Khanna during the inauguration. “It’s about preserving stories, memories, and identities. It’s a temple of culinary culture.”
- Location: WGSHA Campus, MAHE, Manipal
- Access: Open by appointment to students, researchers, and the public
- Highlights: Guided tours, educational workshops, recipe archives, and seasonal exhibitions
