This Is TASTE 594: New York Chef Leah Cohen Is On TV, and Under the Radar
May 21, 2025
Leah Cohen, chef-owner of Pig & Khao in NYC and Top Chef alum, shares her journey, blending her Filipino and Jewish roots into her culinary identity. She candidly reflects on the challenges of multicultural representation in the food world. Barbara Costello, the creative force behind @BrunchwithBabs, discusses her new cookbook filled with family-friendly meals. Their chat highlights the joy of shared family dinners, the evolution of American dining culture, and the unexpected pathways that lead to culinary passion.
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Leah's Southeast Asia Culinary Journey
- Leah immersed herself in Southeast Asia for over a year, working and learning freely.
- She asked to stage for free in restaurants, absorbing cultures without strict plans.
True Southeast Asian Cuisine
- Leah Cohen's Pig & Khao serves Southeast Asian cuisine, not defined by one country.
- She combines flavors authentically without fusion, reflecting her diverse culinary education.
Identity Challenges and Cooking
- Leah felt mixed in identity growing up Filipino and Jewish, not fully enough of either.
- Cooking Southeast Asian food helped her connect and express her Filipino pride.