The smiling chef from Delhi
January 24, 2025 - Royal Canadian Navy
By Lieutenant-Commander J.P. Coulombe
Being deployed as a cook onboard a warship during a military operation, far from your family, isn’t exactly a conventional recipe for happiness.
Yet, Amit Khanna defies this logic.
Sailing around the world with His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa, he serves up more than meals—he spreads joy and positivity to his fellow sailors.
“When you cook from the heart, all meals are special,” says Sailor First Class Amit Khanna, who believes in the power of food to bring people together.
Caption
Sailor Khanna receives his promotion to Sailor First Class upon graduating Basic Military Qualification in March 2024.
A culinary journey begins in Delhi
Born and raised in Delhi, India, Amit Khanna’s love for cooking was nurtured in the family restaurant, where he balanced college studies with work in the bustling kitchen. After completing his degree, his culinary ambitions took him to the United Kingdom.
Barely 21 years old, Amit found himself in a demanding job at a luxury hotel. Despite grueling 18-hour days, he embraced the opportunity to refine his skills.
After 18 months, he returned to Delhi to rejoin the family restaurant. Working alongside his father, Amit honed his expertise before travelling abroad once more. This time he landed in the United States, taking on an assistant sous-chef role at a Marriott hotel in Savannah, Georgia.
A life-changing decision
Full of energy and drive, he kept slicing, dicing, and cooking for almost three years before returning to India, where he soon after met his future wife, Renuka. The two got married and settled in Delhi for a few years, where they started a family.
In 2014, Amit received a call from a friend in the U.S.
“Do you know a good candidate that would be interested in a sous-chef position at the Marriot?”
Khanna thought for a second before asking if he could be that someone. After a quick phone interview, Amit broke the news to Renuka that they will be travelling soon for a new job in Alaska.
Caption
Amit Khanna with his Father, Grand-father and brother, at the family restaurant, Supa’S Restaurant, in New Delhi, India. (October 2017)
From India to Alaska
Flying across the globe to the frigid land of the free, Amit, his wife, and their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter embraced the beauty of their new home.
“Traveling by train in Alaska was a spectacle. We could see the aurora borealis almost every other night—it was magical,” Amit recalls.
Khanna was now a sous-chef for a four-star hotel, living in Alaska, a stark contrast to bustling Delhi.
Their Alaskan adventure lasted until October 2016, when Amit’s father fell seriously ill. Returning to India, Amit donated part of his liver to save his father’s life.
Barely two days after the surgery, destiny struck again: the family’s Canadian residency application had been approved.
By mid-January, they had to relocate to Canada.
A new beginning in Canada
The family chose Halifax, Nova Scotia, as their new home, drawn by its growing opportunities. Within a week, Amit found work as a sous-chef at Cambridge Suites Hotel, finally enjoying a regular eight-hour workday.
Honoring his father’s legacy
Amit’s father deeply respected the military, and his wishes inspired Amit to pursue a new path.
After receiving Canadian citizenship in 2019, Amit applied to join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 2021, beginning the arduous screening process for a security clearance.
“My father always had a lot of respect for armed forces personnel. He wanted me to join, and I decided to honor his memory. I always loved the idea of working for people who serve.”
In June 2023, he was finally contacted by the recruiting center, they were ready to enroll him as a sailor, but they needed a Canadian equivalency to consider his experience.
Khanna, with close to 20,000 hours of experience, challenged the Red Seal Canadian standard of excellence exam with ease to receive his certificate. He sent it to the recruiting center, and they upgraded his initial offer.
Amit was sworn into the CAF on 20 December 2023 as Sailor First Class, complete with a $20,000 signing bonus. Three weeks later, he started the 8-week basic training in Saint-Jean-sur Richelieu.
Caption
Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann discusses with Master Corporal Marc-André Charron, Sailors 1st Class Amit Khanna and Prince Stevenson during his visit of HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) in Yokosuka, Japan on 22 November 2024.
West Coast bound
After basic military qualification in early 2024, Amit received his posting message, and he, once again, moved his family 6 000 km West to take root on Vancouver Island and become part of HMCS Ottawa.
“It was the hardest move we’ve made,” Amit admits. “We loved the East Coast, and saying goodbye to friends was tough, especially for my 12 years old daughter.”
Cooking on the high seas
Now deployed for six months onboard HMCS Ottawa, Amit continues to impress with his culinary expertise and unyielding positivity. His transition from civilian kitchens to a military galley has been seamless.
“The recipes are similar, and we have all the ingredients we need. On the first day, I was nervous about seasickness, but I’ve quickly adjusted to the ship’s movements.”
Amit’s journey—from Delhi to the high seas—epitomizes resilience, adaptability, and a passion for bringing people together through food. His story is a testament to the power of following one’s dreams, no matter how far they take you.