The food world is brimming with diverse voices, and Afro-Latina chefs are making their mark by blending culture, tradition, and innovation. From cookbook authors to social media sensations, these culinary experts bring their unique heritage to the table, introducing the world to their roots' bold and comforting flavors.
Here's a look at some of the most inspiring Afro-Latina chefs redefining the food scene.
Rahanna Bisseret Martinez: A Young Culinary Star on the Rise
Teen chef Rahanna Bisseret Martinez is no stranger to pressure. She gained national recognition as a finalist on "Top Chef Junior," wowing judges with her creative, culturally inspired dishes like pecan sweet potato pie with thyme ice cream, cajeta (a confection of thickened caramel usually made of sweetened milk), and black pepper crust. With Creole, Haitian, and Mexican heritage influencing her palate, the Oakland native has honed her skills in some of the world's top kitchens, including Chez Panisse, Compère Lapin, and Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air. The Cornell University undergrad, Martinez released her debut cookbook, "Flavor+Us," in 2023, cementing her status as a rising culinary force.
Myrna Dahianna Gomez: The TikTok Cooking Sensation
Known as @_cookingwitd on TikTok, Myrna Dahianna Gomez has taken social media by storm with her Dominican comfort food recipes. Gomez's cooking videos, which include crispy pollo frito, slow-cooked pernil, and the classic Dominican dish mangu con tres golpes, rack up millions of views. With her relatable approach and easy-to-follow tutorials, the Washington Heights native has built a loyal following of home cooks eager to learn her flavorful secrets.
Paola Velez: A Trailblazing Pastry Chef
Born in the Bronx to Dominican parents, Paola Velez has carved out a name for herself as an award-winning pastry chef and activist. A Le Cordon Bleu graduate, she worked in New York before moving to Washington, D.C., where she became a celebrated chef. Velez's upbringing, including her frequent visits to the Dominican Republic, shaped her love for baking and appreciation for the cultural significance of food. Named a "Food & Wine" Best New Chef of 2021, she continues to inspire through her desserts and philanthropic efforts supporting hunger relief.
Bren Herrera: A Lifestyle Maven Bringing Flavor to TV
CLEO TV's "Culture Kitchen" Bren Herrera has an infectious energy. The D.C. native is a celebrated chef, entrepreneur, author, social activist, and travel writer. Herrera, who once pursued a career in corporate law, pivoted to the culinary world after being laid off, betting on herself and her love for food. With her signature hat collection and vibrant storytelling, she brings Afro-Latina flavors and culture to the forefront of television.
Cecilia Flores and Ivannoe Rodriguez Sierra: The Duo Behind Coco Verde Vegan
For this married couple, food is a family affair. Cecilia Flores, a public health researcher, and Ivannoe Rodriguez Sierra, a Santo Domingo native, founded Coco Verde Vegan, a plant-based Afro-Latina catering business in Boston. Their menu features creative vegan takes on Dominican classics, including asopao (a plant-based rice stew), chimichurri mushroom sliders, and ropa vieja (Cuban shredded beef) made with plant-based meat. Their work is reshaping the perception of Latin American cuisine and proving that traditional flavors can thrive in plant-based form.
Toni Chapman: A Culinary Content Creator with a Mission
Toni Chapman is a culinary content producer and author who showcases recipes inspired by her Afro-Latina heritage. Through her work, she highlights the importance of preserving traditional flavors while making them accessible to a modern audience. Her passion for food storytelling makes her a key figure in the digital culinary space.