In honor of Women’s History Month, we decided to shine a light on eight incredible culinary pioneers of the food industry. From chefs and restaurateurs to food writers and activists, these remarkable women have left an indelible mark on the culinary world.
Ever wonder where Americans got the term “stir-fry?” In her 1945 book “How to Cook and Eat in Chinese,” Buwein Yang Chao coined the term for the cooking technique, along with “potstickers.” While other English-language Chinese cookbooks were published as far back as 1911, Chao’s was the first that didn’t Westernize Chinese cooking. Chao’s uncompromising embrace of her Chinese heritage was ahead of her time.
In 1961, Julia Child’s cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” introduced French cuisine to American households, making cooking accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. Her PBS television series “The French Chef” made her one of the first women to host her own cooking show. Child’s extensive work in cookbooks and television and her charismatic personality made her a household name, inspiring countless aspiring chefs to this day.
Known as the grand dame of Southern cooking, Edna Lewis championed African American Southern cooking and culture. The renowned chef, teacher and author was instrumental in expanding the culinary oeuvre of Southern cooking, emphasizing its reliance on regional farming and fresh, seasonal ingredients. She elevated soul food and established its interconnectedness with African culinary techniques and culture throughout her writings and teachings.
As the founder of the renowned Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California, Alice Waters pioneered the farm-to-table and “slow food” movements. A staunch advocate for sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, Waters championed the importance of fresh, seasonal produce in creating exquisite dishes. Her influence extends beyond the kitchen as she continues to promote food education and the importance of connecting with the source of our food.
During her time as editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine, Ruth Reichl transformed the publication into a cultural phenomenon. A winner of six James Beard Awards, Reichl’s approachable and engaging writing style made gourmet cuisine accessible to a broader audience. Her influence continues through her bestselling memoirs and commitment to promoting food as a cultural and social experience.
Nigella Lawson, a household name in the world of food television, has captivated audiences with her sensual and unapologetic approach to cooking. Her 1998 book “How to Eat” introduced her signature narrative voice and was ahead of its time with now-popular ingredients such as avocado, pomegranate and quinoa. Succeeding TV shows and books cemented her glamorous public persona and established her food philosophy of joy. Lawson’s impact extends beyond recipes; she symbolizes empowerment and confidence in the kitchen.
Dominique Crenn is a culinary trailblazer, achieving the prestigious accolade of being the first female chef in the United States to receive three Michelin stars. She currently holds four Michelin stars and won the title of World’s Best Female Chef in 2016. As the head chef and owner of Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, she blends art and gastronomy, creating a unique dining experience that challenges traditional notions of fine dining and gender roles in the kitchen.
A groundbreaker in the male-dominated world of fine dining, Clare Smyth made history as the only British woman ever to be awarded three Michelin stars for her cooking. As the chef-patron of Core by Clare Smyth in London, she has garnered widespread acclaim for her culinary expertise and ethos for elevating humble ingredients. From catering the private reception for the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to appearing on “Top Chef,” Smyth challenges stereotypes and paves the way for future generations of female chefs.
Just as these influential women have shaped the culinary industry in profound ways, current changemakers are looking toward the food industry’s future. Learn more about these transformative sustainability changemakers.