Throughout history, women have played a defining role in shaping culinary traditions, introducing new flavors, and revolutionizing the way we experience food. Despite their undeniable influence, many of these women were overlooked in the broader culinary narrative. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is important to honor the trailblazing women—both past and present—who have left an indelible mark on the food industry. From kitchens in Africa to fine dining establishments in Europe and America, these women have defied norms and inspired generations.

The Pioneers Who Changed the Culinary Landscape

1. Essie Spice (Ghana) – Blending African and Global Flavors

 Essie Bartels, popularly known as Essie Spice, has transformed West African flavors into globally recognized culinary delights. As a food entrepreneur and spice connoisseur, she blends traditional Ghanaian spices with international influences, creating sauces and seasonings that have gained recognition worldwide. Her brand, Essie Spice, embodies the richness of African cuisine and challenges the stereotype that African food is limited in variety and complexity.

 2. Maguelonne Toussaint-Samat (France) – The Historian of Food

A French culinary historian and writer, Maguelonne Toussaint-Samat’s works have deeply influenced how we understand food history. Her book, A History of Food, is a comprehensive look at the origins of culinary traditions worldwide, shedding light on the role of women in the evolution of food culture. Her contributions have been instrumental in recognizing women’s impact on global cuisine.

3. Chef Rougui Dia (Senegal/France) – Breaking Barriers in Fine Dining

Rougui Dia, a French-Senegalese chef, made history as one of the few Black women to lead a Michelin-starred kitchen in Paris. Her mastery of French haute cuisine, infused with African influences, has challenged traditional notions of fine dining. Dia’s success is a testament to the power of cultural fusion in gastronomy and the importance of diversity in high-end cuisine.    

4. Edna Lewis (USA) – The Queen of Southern Cooking

 Edna Lewis was an African American chef and author who preserved the legacy of Southern cuisine. Through her books, such as The Taste of Country Cooking, she documented traditional African American recipes, elevating soul food to a respected and celebrated cuisine. Her work helped redefine the narrative around Southern food, highlighting its cultural depth and history.

5. Chef Fatmata Binta (Sierra Leone) – Championing Fulani Cuisine

Fatmata Binta, a Sierra Leonean chef, has gained international acclaim for her work in promoting Fulani cuisine. She launched the Dine on a Mat experience, a pop-up dining initiative that educates people about the nomadic Fulani people and their culinary traditions. Through her efforts, she has brought global attention to African food heritage, demonstrating the richness and depth of West African cuisine.

6. Cristeta Comerford (Philippines/USA) – First Female White House Executive Chef

Cristeta Comerford made history as the first woman and first Asian American to serve as the White House Executive Chef. Since 2005, she has overseen meals for U.S. presidents, blending nutrition, innovation, and cultural diversity in her culinary creations. Her leadership in one of the most prestigious kitchens in the world has paved the way for aspiring female chefs globally.

7. Chef Nokx Majozi (South Africa) – Elevating African Cuisine in London

Nokuthula Majozi, known as Nokx, is a South African chef redefining African cuisine in the UK. As a head chef at The Ned in London, she brings African flavors to fine dining, challenging the Eurocentric dominance in the culinary world. Her success highlights the global appreciation of African ingredients and techniques.   

8. Chef Funmi Dele-Giwa (Nigeria) – Innovating Nigerian Fine Dining

 Funmi Dele-Giwa is a Nigerian chef and culinary entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of modernizing Nigerian cuisine for fine dining experiences. Through her brand, Longévité, she creates gourmet Nigerian dishes with a contemporary twist, introducing international audiences to the depth and sophistication of West African flavors.

9. Ozoz Sokoh (Nigeria) – The Culinary Anthropologist

Ozoz Sokoh, also known as Kitchen Butterfly, is a Nigerian food historian and culinary storyteller dedicated to preserving and documenting Nigerian food heritage. Her work highlights indigenous ingredients, forgotten recipes, and the deep connections between Nigerian cuisine and the broader African diaspora.

10. Bukie Akinmade (Nigeria) – Celebrating Nigerian Street Food

Bukie Akinmade is a Nigerian chef and food influencer dedicated to elevating Nigerian street food. Through her platform, she showcases local delicacies such as suya, akara, and puff-puff, proving that street food holds as much culinary value as gourmet dishes.

The Impact of Women in Culinary Innovation

Women in the food industry have not only created exceptional dishes but have also pioneered new business models, food trends, and social movements. They have been key players in the farm-to-table movement, sustainable food practices, and culinary education. Whether through documenting traditional recipes, opening restaurants, or launching food brands, these women have expanded the scope of what is possible in the culinary world.

Supporting Women in the Culinary Industry

While women have made remarkable strides in the food industry, challenges such as gender bias, unequal pay, and limited access to investment still exist. Supporting women in culinary spaces means:

• Dining at women-owned restaurants and food businesses
• Purchasing from women-led food brands
• Mentoring and investing in female culinary entrepreneurs
• Amplifying their voices on social media and in culinary discussions

The contributions of women in the culinary world are vast and immeasurable. From preserving cultural traditions to redefining fine dining, these trailblazing women have transformed the global food scene. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recognize and honor their efforts, ensuring that the next generation of female chefs, food entrepreneurs, and culinary leaders continue to thrive and break barriers.

Celebrating Women-Owned Food Businesses: Empowering Change Through Culinary Entrepreneurship

Women have long played a crucial role in the culinary world, shaping food culture, innovating flavors, and redefining the industry through entrepreneurship. Across the globe, women-owned food businesses are not only providing delicious meals but also fostering community, promoting sustainability, and challenging gender norms in a historically male-dominated field. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and impact of women-led food enterprises.

The Rise of Women-Owned Food Businesses

From bustling street food vendors to Michelin-starred restaurateurs, women are leaving their mark on the culinary landscape. Their businesses span a wide range of industries, including restaurants, bakeries, food product brands, catering services, and sustainable farming initiatives. These enterprises are not just about food; they are platforms for storytelling, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.

Pioneering Women in the Food Industry

1. Ozoz Sokoh (Nigeria) – The Kitchen Butterfly

Ozoz Sokoh, a Nigerian food explorer, is the visionary behind “Kitchen Butterfly.” She is dedicated to documenting and reviving West African culinary traditions. Through her work, she has shed light on the richness of Nigerian cuisine, creating a platform for local ingredients and techniques to gain international recognition.

2. Selassie Atadika (Ghana) – Founder of Midunu

Selassie Atadika is the force behind Midunu, a nomadic dining experience celebrating New African Cuisine. Through her work, she combines traditional African flavors with modern culinary techniques, promoting the use of indigenous ingredients and supporting local farmers.

3. Pinky Cole (USA) – Slutty Vegan

Pinky Cole is the powerhouse behind Slutty Vegan, a plant-based fast food brand that has taken the U.S. by storm. Her innovative take on vegan cuisine has not only made plant-based eating accessible but also contributed to social impact programs supporting Black entrepreneurship and food equity.

4. Maliha Mohammed (Kenya) – Guinness World Record Holder for Cooking Marathon

Maliha Mohammed, a Kenyan chef, gained global recognition for breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon. Her passion for African cuisine and dedication to community empowerment make her a remarkable figure in the culinary world.

5. Chef Tolu Eros (Nigeria) – Nigerian Fine Dining Pioneer

Chef Tolu Eros, popularly known as “The Billionaire Chef,” has carved a niche in fine dining with Nigerian cuisine. His culinary brand, Ilé, elevates traditional Nigerian dishes to an international audience, bringing African flavors to the global stage.

6. Asma Khan (UK) – Founder of Darjeeling Express

Asma Khan, a British-Indian chef, owns the renowned London restaurant Darjeeling Express. What makes her business exceptional is her all-female kitchen staff, comprised of home cooks who have transitioned into professional chefs, showcasing the power of women supporting women in the food industry.

The Challenges Women Face in the Culinary Industry

Despite their achievements, women in the food industry often encounter obstacles such as limited access to funding, gender biases, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. According to reports, female-owned food businesses receive significantly less investment than their male counterparts. However, through mentorship, community support, and policy changes, more women are breaking barriers and thriving in the food sector.

How to Support Women-Owned Food Businesses

To foster a more inclusive and equitable food industry, individuals and communities can actively support women-led food businesses by:

• Dining at women-owned restaurants and cafés
• Purchasing products from female-founded food brands
• Investing in women entrepreneurs through funding platforms
• Amplifying their voices on social media
• Encouraging mentorship and leadership programs for women in culinary arts

Women-owned food businesses are more than just places to eat—they are movements, cultural hubs, and economic drivers. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recognize the trailblazers who have transformed the culinary world and commit to supporting the next generation of female food entrepreneurs. Their success is not only a win for the industry but also for global food culture and economic empowerment.