Meet Our New York City Shefs
There’s no place quite like New York City. With literally hundreds of languages spoken, America’s “melting pot” is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the country. In fact, there are about 4.5 million immigrants living in NYC, representing almost a quarter of the population.
The shefs in New York City are a great reflection of that. This group of talented cooks comes from all over the globe, representing dozens of countries and distinct regions within those countries. The diverse mix of nationalities and cultures means a wide variety of unique and exciting cuisines for you to try.
Here’s a small glimpse of some of the Shef offerings specific to the New York City area, and the inspiring people behind the food:
Shef Jannapa, Thailand
Growing up in Bangkok, Shef Jannapa learned the importance of using specialty homemade spices. Her decades of experience cooking alongside chefs in both Thailand and New York has led her to create truly unique dishes bursting with flavor.
If you’re not sure where to start, try her highly-rated Egg Noodles With Barbecue Pork, which is a fan favorite! “In Thai, this classic dish is called ba mee moo daeng (red pork and egg noodles). I add some pork dumplings to incorporate more texture and flavor.”
Shef Latoya, Jamaica
To experience the flavors of Jamaica, try a dish from Shef Latoya, who learned to cook by watching her grandmother prepare authentic Jamaican meals.
Shef Latoya has realized a food’s aroma and taste can evoke memories of her homeland, which is such a powerful thing. Just a taste of her Escovitch Fish recipe can instantly transport you to Jamaica. “The fish dish is one of my family’s favorites,” she said. “Fried porgy with a vinegar sauce with peppers, onion, and scotch bonnet pepper. We enjoy this for all occasions with rice or mac and cheese or bread.”
She also loves to express her creativity through fusion-inspired dishes like “This Jerk Chicken is Hittin” and “Pineapple-Peppery Has Chemistry” Pork Empanadas.
Shef Szsidd, Pakistan
Shef Szsidd grew up in Pakistan, but her cooking is inspired by her travels across the world. She blends her special family recipes with the knowledge she’s acquired in her extensive travels to create a large menu of flavorful homestyle Pakistani dishes. Some of Shef Szsidd’s most popular dishes include Mutton Biryani and Aaloo Parata, a delicious crispy fried flatbread.
More New York City Shefs
If you have a sweet tooth, there are several shefs in the NYC area specializing in dessert! Shef Sekoura specializes in French pastry but is equally inspired by Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. Shef Ama offers a variety of classic American desserts, like chocolate Oreo cake and flaky cherry hand pies. Either way, you really can’t go wrong!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick tour of New York City through the lens of these featured shefs. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, and this is just a small representation of the many options available. If you’re in the NYC area, check out the full list of offerings here.
