Kwame Onwuachi, the Nigerian-American chef renowned for his Afro-Caribbean cuisine and culinary storytelling, has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025.
Born in Long Island and raised between New York, Louisiana, and Nigeria, Onwuachi’s journey from his mother’s Bronx catering business to global culinary stardom reflects his dedication to celebrating African diaspora flavors. His restaurants—including the acclaimed Kith/Kin and Tatiana in Washington, D.C.—blend Nigerian, Caribbean, and Southern influences, redefining fine dining with dishes like egusi soup and Malian peanut stew.
After early setbacks, including the brief closure of his debut restaurant, The Shaw Bijou, Onwuachi’s resilience earned him accolades such as Esquire’s Chef of the Year and a James Beard Award. As an author (Notes from a Young Black Chef) and Food & Wine’s executive producer, he amplifies underrepresented culinary narratives.
“Food is my vehicle for cultural connection,” Onwuachi told TIME. His latest ventures, Sirius and Dogon, continue this mission, proving that heritage flavors belong at gastronomy’s highest tables.
