Transformative Women in the Culinary World
From a food-diversity champion in Guatemala to creatives shaking up London’s events and dining landscape, these remarkable women are changing the way we view food. They are redefining culinary practices, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in the kitchen.
Laila Gohar
Show-stopping food artist and feast curator
New York-based Laila Gohar is blurring the lines between food and art with her surreal edible installations that tantalize the senses. Notable for her homeware designs and creative culinary expressions, Gohar’s projects have gained recognition worldwide.
Her take: “I love working with simple ingredients, such as potatoes and eggs. When treated with care, simple ingredients become fascinating creations.”
Denai Moore
Musician with a culinary twist
Now based in Margate, singer-songwriter Denai Moore is redefining Jamaican food traditions. Her London supper club, Dee’s Table, creatively adapts traditional recipes with a vegan flair, marrying nostalgia with modern sensibilities.
Her take: “My food reflects home and memories, driven by seasonality and local produce.”
Jessica Naomi Fong
Urban farming pioneer on a sustainability mission
In Hong Kong, Jessica Naomi Fong focuses on reducing food waste through innovative urban farming at Common Farms. By creating vertical farms in industrial spaces, Fong is setting a precedent for sustainable agriculture in the city.
Her take: “I am passionate about giving locals access to fresh, high-quality ingredients, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.”
Shannon Martinez
Fiercely independent chef revolutionizing vegan cuisine
Shannon Martinez, known for her Melbourne-based restaurant Smith & Daughters, elevates vegan cooking with her unique approach. Blending flavors and techniques, Martinez captures the hearts of food lovers, expanding the appeal of plant-based dining.
Her take: “My mission was to professionalize vegan dining and prove that it’s delicious and accessible.”
Tala Bashmi
Middle-Eastern trailblazer promoting cultural cuisine
Tala Bashmi is on a mission to introduce Bahraini cuisine to a global audience. Known for her innovative twists on traditional dishes, she is reshaping how Middle Eastern food is perceived.
Her take: “I’m striving to elevate Bahraini food to a world stage while changing food culture perceptions.”
Maria Georgiou and Rhiannon Butler, AKA Mam Sham
The dynamic duo reshaping London’s dining experience
Mam Sham combines culinary excellence with comedic entertainment, creating a unique and engaging dining atmosphere. Their innovative supper club experience integrates food and laughter, promising delightful encounters.
Their take: “We prioritize high-quality, interactive dining free from pretentiousness.”
Lola Liu, Tiger Liang, and Jackwing Yao
Mixologists blending tradition with modernity
In China’s thriving cocktail scene, mixologists Lola Liu, Tiger Liang, and Jackwing Yao are innovating by incorporating traditional Chinese flavors into their craft. This emergence highlights the growing significance of women in the beverage industry.
Their take: “The rise of bars in smaller cities signifies exciting changes in the cocktail culture, with women leading the charge.”
Debora Fadul
Champion of Guatemala’s culinary diversity
Debora Fadul is on a mission to spotlight Guatemala’s diverse agricultural heritage. Through innovative practices and community collaboration, Fadul is reconnecting people with their food sources at her restaurant, Diacá.
Her take: “By understanding the story behind ingredients, we deepen our connection to food.”
These inspiring women are not just culinary innovators, but also advocates for sustainability, diversity, and community engagement in the food industry. Their influence is reshaping the global culinary landscape, appealing to new generations of food enthusiasts.
