Ranji Smile: The Mysterious Chef Who Introduced Indian Cuisine to America

Kathmandu. In 1901, an Indian chef opened what was possibly the first Indian restaurant in America. Ranjit Smile was one of the most interesting and mysterious figures to influence the American food scene.

In 1899, Smile boarded a ship from London and arrived in New York. Very little information is available about his real name, birthplace, and early life.