Fantastic Female Chefs in Los Angeles

Female chef placing chocolates on half sheet pan

It seems strange that most of us grew up with our moms, aunts, and grandmothers running our home kitchens, yet when it comes to the restaurant industry, it tends to be men who have shaped, influenced and led its culture. According to RestaurantHER, a movement to champion and support women-led restaurants, raise awareness about inequality in the industry and to help improve things for the better, women represent only 24% of chefs, and 6% of head chefs, across the culinary world. (They are also paid 28% less than their male counterparts.)

In the spirit of support and pursuit of deliciousness, here are six talented chefs making amazing food on the west side and what to eat when you visit their restaurants.

Chef Vanda Asapahu, Ayara Thai

Cuisine: Thai | 6245 West 87th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Located in Westchester, Ayara Thai is a family-owned business established in 2004. Vanda Asapahu took over the restaurant from her parents Andy and Anna Asapahu (Chef Anna is still cooking alongside Vanda and her sister). The restaurant is one of Los Angeles’s best spots for authentic Thai cuisine. Ayara Thai has been on Johnathan Gold's list of Best Restaurants and has a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Recommended dishes: Shrimp Butterfly, Ayara's Toast, Spicy Beef Salad, and Khao Soi curry.

Dr. Padmini Aniyan, Mayura Indian Restaurant

Cuisine: South Indian | 10406 Venice Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90232

Dr. Padmini Aniyan is an immigrant from Kerala, South India and a former professor of business management and accounting. She started Mayura with her husband, Aniyan Puthanpurayil, a veteran restaurant owner. Mayura has been praised by Johnathan Gold and the Michelin Guide. Recommended dishes: Fish Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Ghee Roast Dosa.

Chef Genet Agonafer, Meals by Genet

Cuisine: Ethiopian | 1053 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Genet Agonafer started her restaurant 21 years ago in the heart of Little Ethiopia after her catering business took off. Her upscale bistro has won awards from Michelin, simifinaled in James Beard Awards, and had a long list of beautiful reviews (yes, including Johnathan Gold). Recommended dishes: the Vegetarian Platter and the Doro Wat.

Chef Shirley Chung, Ms. Chi Cafe

Cuisine: Chinese | 3829 Main St, Culver City, CA 90232

Chef Shirley Chung creates progressive Chinese American cuisine: unique culinary creations inspired by traditional authentic northern-style dumplings, noodle bowls, and fried rice. She immigrated to America from Beijing at 17 and worked in Silicon Valley before pursuing her career as a chef. Recommended dishes: the Tea Smoked Duck with Lotus Buns, Chinese spiced pastrami and scallion pancake sandwich, and Top Chef winning dish Jumbo Cheeseburger Potstickers with a tomato bacon jam.

Chef Aduke Oyetibo, Aduke Nigerian Cuisine

Cuisine: Nigerian | 1117 W. Manchester Ave. Ste. C, Inglewood, CA 90301

Chef Aduke Oyetibo started a catering business in 2013 after pregnancy cravings made her start cooking the flavors of her Youruba Tribe. She carefully curates her recipes and unique spices, and everything is made fresh. Recommended Dishes: Joloff Rice Combo, Egusi Stew

Chef Babette Davis, Stuff I Eat

Cuisine: Vegan | 14 N Market St, Inglewood, CA 90301

Babette Davis is a world-class vegan chef, fitness enthusiast, and motivational speaker. She has a loyal fan base via social media outlets while participating in health summit events around the country. She and her husband Rondal grew the restaurant from their catering startup. Recommended dishes: Organic Soul Food Platter, Enchilada Pie, and on weekends, Mexican Pot Pie.

Lest you thought we left out the more famous female chefs in our fair city, here's our list of household names and their restaurants:

  • Nancy Silverton - La Brea Bakery, Mozza, Triple Beam Pizza, The Barish at the Roodevelt Hotel.

  • Alice Waters - Chez Panisse, Lulu at the Hammer Museum

  • Niki Nakayama - n/naka, n/soto

  • Margarita Manzke - République, The Sari Sari Store, Biciclette Bistro

  • Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken - Border Grill, Socalo

  • Sarah Kramer & Sarah Hymanson - Kismet, Madcapra at Grand Central Market, and Kismet Rotisserie

  • Genevieve Gergis - Bestia, Bavel

  • Teresa Montaño - Ración, Otoño

  • Jessica Koslow - Sqirl

  • Suzanne Tracht - Jar

These are by no means exhaustive lists. To see more, check out Thrillist and Resy.com for the lists they put out in March and May, respectively.

Food, NeighborhoodsCecilie Korst////