Four Women Who Have Conquered Gastronomy with Innovative Ideas

In the culinary world, more and more women are making a difference with their talent and creativity. These four chefs have transformed their passion for cooking into a lifestyle, winning over palates and hearts. Through their popular Instagram accounts, they have not only attracted a wide audience but also established a deep connection with those who seek to enjoy good food and learn about it.

Despite the increasing presence of women in high-end cooking, the statistics still show a significant gender disparity, with only 10% of Michelin-starred restaurants led by women. However, these chefs have proven that innovation and dedication know no gender. Below, we explore their stories and contributions to the gastronomic world.

Creative Catering: Vega Catering

María de la Vega is the creative mind behind Vega Catering, where traditional Spanish cuisine intertwines with her personal vision. After spending several years working abroad, María decided that her true path lay in cooking. What began as a hobby—creating boxes of cookies and chocolates as gifts—quickly turned into a deep passion. “I was always very close to my mother and grandmother, who were both great hosts and cooks. Helping them in the kitchen became the most enjoyable activity of my childhood,” recalls María.

Today, in addition to running her catering business, María has a workshop where she produces a gourmet product line called Seeds, aimed at those seeking healthy and high-quality options. Her restaurant, located in the exclusive Salamanca neighborhood in Madrid, offers a culinary experience that highlights fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. “My signature dishes are traditional stews, always made with fresh ingredients,” she proudly shares. For her, the most rewarding aspect of her job is discovering new places and creating unique setups for each event.

Healthy Recipes: Foodtropia

Paola Freire Gómez-Chao, a Galician who made a radical life change by leaving law to dedicate herself to cooking, is the founder of Foodtropia. Her love for cooking stems from her family, especially her mother and grandmother, who instilled in her the value of good food from a young age. “My mother always cooked healthy meals at home, and my grandmother even had a column in the newspaper ‘La Voz de Galicia’ where she shared her recipes,” explains Paola.

During the pandemic, her Instagram account saw exponential growth, reaching over 200,000 followers. “While working as a lawyer, I took advantage of my two-hour lunch breaks to cook and eat with one of my sisters, who started sharing photos of my dishes,” she recounts. Her recipes are characterized by being easy, healthy, and delicious, with an emphasis on using seasonal products. “Depending on the season, my favorite recipe can change. In summer, I enjoy a good gazpacho, and in winter, I prefer stews and legumes, like verdinas with clams,” Paola adds. Among her short-term goals is the publication of her second recipe book and the launch of her own line of gourmet products.

The Queen of Cheese: Clara Díez

Clara Díez is the creator of Formaje, a cheese shop in Madrid that has become a true temple for cheese lovers. Located in Chamberí square, Formaje not only sells cheese but also organizes tastings and various activities that celebrate cheese culture. With her discreet and simple demeanor, Clara displays profound knowledge and passion for this product. “Formaje began after six years of working with artisan cheeses alongside producers. In 2019, we decided to launch this platform to develop new ideas around cheese culture,” Clara proudly explains.

What she loves most about her job is connecting with producers, enjoying their conversations, and getting out of the city to recharge her energy. “Those experiences inspire me,” she adds. Clara has plans to open a new space and expand Formaje into international markets, seeking to bring the experience of Spanish cheese to other parts of the world.

Sweet Delights: Kreisler Kitchen

Ana and Alejandra, mother and daughter, are the founders of Kreisler Kitchen, a project that stems from their love for quality cooking and their rich international experiences. They specialize in creating Gallecookies, cakes, and pastries, blending traditional recipes with a modern twist. “Turning a hobby into my profession has resulted from combining my mother’s long-standing passion for cooking, particularly baking, with my background in business and marketing,” Alejandra explains.

What started as a hobby—baking brownies for friends—transformed into a genuine business when they returned to Madrid just before the pandemic. “My friends always encouraged me to sell my sweets, so I decided to take the plunge and embark on this adventure with my mother,” Alejandra states. Their products, such as carrot cake, red velvet cake, lemon pie, and, of course, brownies, have become a delight for those looking to sweeten their day-to-day lives.

These four women have not only found their place in gastronomy but have also inspired others with their stories of perseverance and creativity. With their innovative approaches and passion for cooking, they demonstrate that the culinary world is constantly evolving, and that the diversity of voices and styles is what truly enriches this wonderful sphere of life.

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