Mexican chef Elena Reygadas has been crowned the world’s best chef by the prestigious British ranking, World’s 50 Best, which annually selects the 50 best restaurants on the planet. Her cuisine which combines traditional Mexican flavors with innovative techniques has won over the jury, making her the first Mexican chef to win this distinction.
Reygadas, chef and owner of the restaurant “Rosetta” in Mexico City, has become an icon in Mexican gastronomy. Her specialty: Mexican pepper tortellini, which combine Italian know-how with Mexican flavors. A former economist, Reygadas decided to devote herself fully to cooking in 2010 when she opened Rosetta, the restaurant that made her famous.
“I’m really happy to have received this title and I dedicate it to all the women who cook every day and who perpetuate the tradition of Mexican gastronomy,” said Reygadas when she spoke to the national television upon receiving the award. The World’s 50 Best prize, which rivals the famous Michelin Guide, rewards in particular the best chef in the world known for their culinary mastery.
Mexico is a country rich in gastronomy, with each region offering unique cuisine, flavors, and ingredients. Reygadas’ success is a source of pride for the country and its people. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador even called her victory a national pride.
Reygadas’ cuisine is not only delicious, but it also represents the country’s cultural heritage. She’s devoted to preserving Mexican cuisine while incorporating new techniques and local ingredients in traditional dishes. Her customers in the bustling streets of Mexico are delighted with her success, and her restaurant is always a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Reygadas’ victory also represents a milestone for the role of women in the culinary world. Despite being one of the sectors with the highest percentage of women in its workforce, women chefs are often overlooked in favor of their male counterparts. In recent years, movements such as “Women in Gastronomy” have emerged, seeking greater visibility for female chefs and promoting gender equality in the industry. Reygadas’ title as the world’s best chef serves as an inspiration for women in the culinary world around the world.
