About

Born in Ethiopia, Chef Fariyal Abdullahi grew up inspired by her mother’s cooking and the communal spirit of family meals. Though she earned a degree in Clinical Child Psychology in the U.S., her passion for food led her to the Culinary Institute of America and on a culinary journey through 18 countries. She honed her craft at the threeMichelin-starred Noma in Copenhagen before rising through the ranks at top U.S. restaurants. Now the Executive Chef at Marcus Samuelsson’s Hav & Mar in NYC, Abdullahi blends her Ethiopian heritage with sustainable practices and bold flavors. Her dishes have been featured at the Met Gala and in Vogue, and she is a judge on Food Network’s Chopped, Alex vs America, and the Roku series Celebrity Family Food Battle. A 2024 James Beard Award Finalist, Abdullahi is also the co-founder of Take Care of Home, a nonprofit building schools and providing clean water in rural Ethiopia. Through her work, she continues to inspire a more inclusive and impactful culinary world.