Celebrating International Women’s Day, we have compiled a list of well-known and influential women in the F&B industry. This list celebrates the achievements of female chefs, restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and other professionals who have broken through barriers and made significant contributions to the industry.
In this list, we talk to Dr. Debryna Dewi, Chef Erna Nuryanti Lingga from Bulgari Resort Bali, Yori Atira from Lunch From My Husband, Farah Mauludynna, founder of Joongla, Chef Petty Pandean-Elliott, and many more inspiring women. Each of these women has a unique story to share about their journey to success, and we hope their stories will inspire others to follow their passions and pursue their dreams. Through their hard work, dedication, and perseverance, they have shown that gender is not a barrier to success in the F&B industry.
Celebrating International Women's Day
Dr. Debryna Dewi Lumanauw
“We, as women, are special and different. We can handle pressure better, prioritize better, and are more adept at multitasking. Yes, we are emotional, and I know that this can have drawbacks, but in my work as a doctor and a baker, putting emotion into our work actually makes it better. The food tastes better, and my relationship with my patients is stronger. That’s just how it is,” said Debryna.
Dr. Debryna Dewi shares her passion for cooking and baking and her approach to tackling the challenges she faces as a woman in the workplace.
Read more: Leading Ladies of The Food World: Dr. Debryna Dewi
Erna Nuryanti Lingga
Having worked in the kitchen for a long time wasn’t without its challenges. For Bulgari Resort Bali’s Pastry Chef, Erna Nuryanti, there is an art in itself–that perhaps comes with experience–like, how to balance the majority of masculine energy in the kitchen as a woman. As a mother of four, she also has to pay immense attention to her family’s life. She admits the challenges from the two sides will come and go from time to time, yet they didn’t shake chef Erna’s confidence one bit. She believes it’s important for female chefs like her not to let weakness get in the way, and the key is to be diligent and astute in balancing family and professional affairs.
Erna Nuryanit has over 30 years of experience under her belt. Such a long tenure not only fosters her deep love for pastry, it also fuels her to continue pressing forward to perfect her craft
Read more: Leading Ladies of The Food World: Erna Nuryanti Lingga
Farah Mauludynna
Farah Mauludynna believes that as a woman, her role is to create and contribute. “As women, we possess a superpower that often goes unrecognized. Our inherent compassion and love define us and drive us to give selflessly without expecting anything in return, making us special.”
Dynna, the founder of Joongla, shares her journey into the culinary industry, how her relationship with food helped her discover herself, and her mission to empower women and promote diversity in the culinary world through Joongla.
Read more: Leading Ladies of The Food World: Farah Mauludynna
Johanne Siy
Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023, Chef Johanne Siy, recalled her long journey in pursuing the culinary world, spending time in some of the world’s best restaurants, and the lessons she learned along the way.
“Chef is a beautiful word because it’s genderless (as opposed to actor/actress). Let’s not overcomplicate it. At the end of the day, it’s all about your attitude and drives.” In the future, she’s excited to find and work with even more outstanding individuals with similar values and passion.
Petty Elliott
When asked about “what makes women special?” Petty Tendean-Elliott points to the motherly intuition women possess, a nurturing instinct that plays a power to influence and give people guidance, empowerment, and inspiration. She has a point. As someone who has already been in the culinary field for almost 20 years, be it as a writer, chef, or entrepreneur, Petty’s deep devotion to culinary itself began when she was a little girl through the guidance of her grandma, who she lovingly calls ‘Oma.’
We talked to Indonesian chef and writer Petty Elliott about the new book, the food hero she grew up with, and her hopes for the future of Indonesian women in the culinary industry.
Vivilya Millian
“We as women are special,” Vivi said. “We bring life to this earth. We are great at multitasking; we can think about so many things and still get the job done. Even if you are a stay home mom, you are special.”
“Women tend to be labeled as weak, soft, and sensitive. They can’t work long hours, and they can’t do as many things as men. But I don’t believe that. Women are powerful and equal. Women can be independent and successful too!”
Lady Pitmaster Vivilya Millian recounts her journey in establishing Riung Rasa, the inspiration behind her success, and her words of encouragement for women everywhere.
Read more: Leading Ladies of The Food World
Yori Atira
“Mbah Lindu had fully dedicated her life to nothing but Gudeg, and she seemed to take great pleasure in what she did. It’s like the Gudeg and her soul were already one.”
Just like Mbah Lindu, Yori Atira wants to continue nourishing her relationship with food and encourages others to do the same thing. She’s determined to nudge people to step out of their palate’s comfort zone by wrapping different flavors in something homemade and familiar.
The creative genius behind Lunch For My Husband is giving birth soon, but that isn’t stopping her, it’s even pushing her forward.
Read more: Leading Ladies of The Food World: Yori Atira
