Latin America’s foodie scene really began to take off in the 2000s, led by celebrity chefs such as Peru’s Gastón Acurio and Brazil’s Alex Atala who combined exotic local ingredients with top-shelf craftsmanship, often honed abroad. Thanks to their work, Latin Americans and gringos alike have become acquainted with ingredients such as tucupi, jambu and camote.
Today, in the 2010s, a new generation of culinary wizards is taking things to the next level. These young chefs, mostly under 40, are perhaps less concerned with proving the value of their work – and so are to focus on simple, elegantly prepared ingredients found locally. They are also committed to serving great food at accessible prices – a plus at a time of vacas flacas (“thin cows,” to use a local euphemism for tough economic times) for many Latin Americans.
Here, Americas Quarterly introduces the leading voices from this new movement. Buen provecho.
AQ Top 5 Young Chefs: Elena Reygadas
Reading Time: 2 minutesBreaking culinary rules has led to widespread acclaim for the head chef and owner of Rosetta.
AQ Top 5 Young Chefs: Israel Laura
Reading Time: 2 minutesFor this Lima native, a focus on traditional flavors trumps trends.
AQ Top 5 Young Chefs: Rodrigo Oliveira
Reading Time: 2 minutesChef Oliveira brings northeastern flavors to São Paulo at bargain prices.
AQ Top 5 Young Chefs: Silvana Villegas
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe chef and co-owner of Bogotá’s Masa stays focused on the essentials.
