Ayesha Nurdjaja, Chef

Ayesha Nurdjaja is Executive Chef and Partner of Shuka in SoHo and Shukette in Chelsea, where her vibrant Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and gracious hospitality earned her the 2025 IACP Trailblazer Award and multiple James Beard Award nominations, including as a 2026 finalist for "Best Chef: New York State". The latest Titan to join Bobby's Triple Threat, she's a familiar face on Food Network, the TODAY Show, VICE Munchies, and NY1. Her debut cookbook titled Mediterranean All the Way will be released October 20, 2026.

Born and raised in Brooklyn with Italian-Indonesian heritage, Ayesha discovered her passion for food early on. After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education, she honed her craft in renowned kitchens, including Lidia Bastianich's Felidia, Picholine, and Missy Robbins' A Voce. Her cooking philosophy emphasizes bold fl avors, seasonal focus, and sustainably sourced produce, ensuring every dish tells a story of quality and connection.

Beyond the kitchen, Ayesha serves on the board of The Sylvia Center, collaborates with the Food Education Fund, and is a member of the US Department of State Culinary Corps. She's built teams marked by loyalty and longevity, where staff often spend years (and in some cases decades) alongside her, refl ecting her commitment to mentorship and culture rooted in respect and collaboration.

Known for her signature hoop earrings, razor-sharp wit, and infectious energy, Ayesha connects with over 200k followers across her social channels through candid behind-the-scenes content, vibrant recipe videos, and an authentic voice that makes her as compelling on screen as she is in the kitchen.