We all know how International Women’s Day started and that it is not a date for bouquets, or chocolates, or special sales for pink underwear. International Women’s Day is a day of remembrance, a special date on the calendar that reminds us of the fight for equality, opportunities, and plural voices in politics, enterprises, and the world. Summing up: Female Empowerment.

Women’s Day, for us, is the perfect excuse to remind everyone about the inequality that’s in the international and American kitchens. Only 20% of restaurants are led by women chefs. Less than a half in the whole market. While women are often associated with the kitchen, given their history of housekeeping until we were able to work professionally, when we talk about professional kitchens and Michelin stars, female chefs do not make it to half of the percentage.

Unfair, is it not?

So, we take it up to a personal mission to invite you to get to know three Latin American Women chefs who are not only shaping the landscape of the US this year but also succeeding at what they are doing. Also, we know many women are sharing their recipes, their culinary secrets, and even behind the scenes. We also know that you might know some of them, so we invite you to share their profiles and names.

Let’s make more female chefs recognizable and help them grow their profiles this Women’s Day!

Are you in?

3 Latin American Chefs Who Are A Must-Know

The culinary scene in the United States is undergoing an exquisite transition, encouraged by the rich flavors and traditions introduced by immigrants and their descendants.

Of course, Latin American women chefs are among these culinary pioneers, not only sharing their heritage on plates but also carving out their niches in the highly competitive world of fine dining and beyond.

Here are three amazing stories about the creativity, tenacity, and invention of the women making waves in the US kitchen in 2024.

1. Karime López: Known as the Mexican woman who made history in the culinary world

Karime López is known as one of the most relevant women in the gastronomical world. Why? She is the first Mexican to achieve a Michelin star, one of the highest distinctions in the industry, for her work at Gucci Osteria Florence as executive chef.

Although she arrived at the popular restaurant in 2018, she had already been showing her great talent in numerous cuisines all over the world. Some known cases are in Mexico, where she worked at Pujol, while in Spain and Japan, her creativity was on display in the Ryugin and Mugaritz restaurants. She also worked in Central de Lima, Peru.

She shared with Vogue Mexico, “The taste for food and crafts, and how to make them, I learned from my two families, maternal and paternal, in both houses they always cooked very well. Both of my grandmothers had a natural gift for cooking. Both houses with very different inspirations and operations, but always with the passion and purpose of eating delicious traditional Mexican food.”

2. Gabriela Cámara: A Culinary Ambassador of Mexico City

Gabriela Cámara's story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for her hometown, Mexico City. Her restaurant, "Contramar," has become synonymous with the city's vibrant seafood scene, offering simple yet delicious dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Cámara's success led her to open additional locations in Mexico City and beyond, including the acclaimed "Cala" in San Francisco. Recognized as one of the "World's 50 Best Restaurants," Cala bridges Mexican and Californian cuisine, showcasing Cámara's culinary artistry and her ability to connect cultures through food.

3. Maria Hines: A Champion of Sustainable Cuisine

A James Beard Award winner, Maria Hines is as passionate about organic, regenerative food as she is about scaling mountains. Her culinary journey began young, leading to the opening of one of the nation's first certified organic restaurants.

Beyond the kitchen, she fuels her rock climbing and outdoor adventures with the principles of Peak Nutrition, a co-authored cookbook for mountain athletes.

Community and sustainability are core values, driving her involvement with the James Beard Foundation and food access initiatives. Maria invites commensals to a world where flavor meets adventure, each bite nourishing both body and planet.

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These are just three of the many exceptional Latin American female chefs reshaping the US culinary industry. Their stories not only honor their achievement but also demonstrate the expanding influence of Latin American flavors and customs in American food. As they continue to innovate, inspire, and break down boundaries, these mujeres are guaranteeing that the future of gastronomy in the United States is full of sabor, especias, and sororidad.

Let us know in the comments below about your favorite women chefs and let us boost into equality in the culinary industry!

Women's Day

Spotlight on Latin American Women Chefs: International Women's Day 2024

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