8 women who have made an impact on Mexican gastronomy
By
Gretel Morales - 2024-03-07T17:26:15Z
As every March 8, the world commemorates International Women's Day or 8M, a day when women take to the streets to express themselves, demand equity, and raise their voices. It is also a day to avoid congratulating women and instead support causes that lead to true equality between women and men. At kiwilimón, we do not want to let the 8M pass without talking about the incredible women who have left their mark on Mexican cuisine, in a field that has historically been dominated by men. This March 8, International Women’s Day, let us not forget the women who nourish us in body and soul, who season our days with their creations, and who make us proud to elevate Mexican cuisine to the highest heights. Here we share the stories of 8 great Mexican women! You can also read: Abigail Mendoza, the guardian of Oaxacan flavorsMexican women who have left a mark on gastronomyElena ReygadasElena Reygadas is one of the most recognized faces of contemporary Mexican cuisine. In 2023, she was crowned the best chef of 2023, and her restaurant Rosetta was ranked as one of the best places to eat in the world. Although Reygadas studied literature, she made a 180° turn to become one of the most influential Mexican chefs. She traveled to New York to study gastronomy and worked in the best restaurants before returning to Mexico to open Rosetta, Lardo, Café Nin, and Bella Aurora.Thalia BarriosThalia Barrios has the ability to leave anyone who tastes her creations breathless. Just try her signature dishes at Levadura de Olla or Cocina de Humo to understand the importance of preserving Oaxacan gastronomy. The Mexican chef has a deep connection with her roots, the culinary tradition of Oaxaca, and her family memories. All of this is reflected in her dishes and conveys the feeling of enjoying a meal at home.Alicia GironellaAlso known as “the lady of Mexican gastronomy,” Gironella was one of the most influential chefs, researchers, and promoters of Mexican cuisine. She was responsible for founding the Institute of Gastronomic Culture and also created the Diploma for Chefs at the Ibero-American University. It is worth noting that she was responsible for bringing the slow food movement to Mexico, which is characterized by promoting sustainable consumption and seasonal ingredients. She passed away in February 2024.Gloria López MoralesThe diplomat, journalist, and writer was a key figure in the process for the UNESCO to recognize Mexican gastronomy as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. She is the Director of the Conservatory of Mexican Gastronomic Culture, an association created to preserve and promote the culinary tradition of our country and one of the strongest voices in the culinary field.María Elena LugoThe Mexican chef is one of the masterminds behind the restaurant Nicos, a true institution when it comes to Mexican cuisine, which she leads with her son, chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo. Like many other Mexican chefs and cooks, her romance with cooking began thanks to the flavors and tastes of her mother. In 1957, she founded a soda fountain with her husband, which would later transform into the restaurant Nicos. She is one of the Mexican women who has dedicated her career to preserving and promoting Mexican cuisine.See more: Meat Sorority, a space for dialogue among womenPatricia QuintanaThis Mexican chef dedicated her life to promoting Mexican gastronomy and became a true institution in the culinary field, having published more than 25 cookbooks and texts. She taught for 45 years at the High Culinary School, which she herself founded. During her half-century career, she received countless awards and was also named Culinary Ambassador of Mexico by the Mexican government. She passed away in 2018.Celia FloriánShe is one of the most successful and recognized traditional cooks in the country, and she serves as president of the Association of Traditional Cooks of Oaxaca. Her restaurant Las Quince Letras has become a must-visit stop in Oaxaca, where the culinary tradition of the state is preserved. In addition to dedicating herself to researching endemic ingredients of the region and local culinary techniques, Celia Florián was also named the best chef of 2022 by Culinaria Mexicana. She collaborated with Netflix on the documentary Street Food Latin America.Karime LópezKarime López is one of the most recognized and successful contemporary chefs in the world. She is currently in charge of Gucci Osteria, located in Florence. She was named Best Chef Abroad by CANIRAC and has brought Mexican gastronomy to the international stage with her creations inspired by her homeland.As you can see, there are countless Mexican women who fight daily for equity in a field like gastronomy. We honor them and celebrate their successes this 8M.Read more: Women who transform Mexican gastronomy