German millennial/gen-Z chefs and food influencers you should know
They're young, passionate and pros at handling knives: Germany's best gourmet chefs and food trendsetters can be found both in the kitchen and on social media. Either way, they're inspiring when it comes to food!
Daniele Tortomasi
In 2017, the Freiburg-born Daniele made it into the final of the DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) region's "Chef of the Year" competition (above) — quite an achievement for the then 23-year-old! Now 28, he's on a creative break, says his Instagram account, @danieletortomasi. Having already earned one Michelin star in his first role es executive chef, we'd say the time off is well-deserved!
Rosa Roderigo
Rosa, age 25, dishes up comfort food recipes, seasonal tips and practical kitchen advice with a vegan spin on her TikTok and Instagram accounts, @rosakochtgruen (Rosa cooks green), now part of Funk Media. Born in 1996, the trained pastry chef once ate meat but hasn't looked back since going vegan. Her personal favorite comfort food? Vegan Königsberg Klopse, a type of meatball from eastern Germany.
Julia Komp
At age 14, Julia did an internship in a hotel and quickly realized her calling was in the kitchen. In 2016, at age 27, she became the youngest-ever female German chef to earn a Michelin star, and Schlemmer restaurant guide named her Chef of the Year in 2020. In early 2022, she opened her own restaurant, Sahila, in Cologne. Julia also travels widely, posting shots on Instagram (@juliakompcuisine).
Jörg and Nadine
In their early 30s, Nadine and Jörg have been vegan since 2006, and they've been spicing up the internet with their blog "Eat This" since 2011. There, on their Instagram account (@eatthisorg) and in their cookbook, the couple shares vegan recipes inspired by food around the world, as well as how to make plant-based meat substitutes. But beware — the self-described Sriracha addicts like it hot!
Tohru Nakamura
Tohru's Japanese father and German mother instilled in him a deep appreciation for food that led him to become a chef. And what a chef! Since his earliest professional days, the 38-year-old Munich-born-and-based chef has been showered with awards. His newest restaurant received two Michelin stars in March, just months after opening! He also has quite the fan base on Instagram (@tohrunakamura).
Maya Leinenbach
Just in her late teens, Maya is a shooting star among vegan food influencers: More than 1.7 million people follow her account @fitgreenmind. From a small town in Saarland, western Germany, she shows how simple vegan recipes can be made without tons of special ingredients. In 2021, she fulfilled a childhood dream by publishing her cookbook, "Ooh, that's vegan?," available in German and English.
Sarah Henke
Sarah, who was born in Seoul and grew up in Lower Saxony, has worked in some of Europe's best kitchens. Her current restaurant, Yoso, has had a Michelin star since 2018. The name is Korean for the four elements, fire, water, earth and air, which she harnesses to create harmonious dishes with unique aromas. The 40-year-old shares her stunning creations on Instagram at @sarahhenke_aromenkueche.
Torsten and Sascha Wett
In his late 30s, Sascha (right) is half of a duo alongside his husband, Torsten (left). Together, they run the Instagram account @diejungskochenundbacken, meaning "the lads cook and bake" — and cook and bake they sure do, putting modern twists on traditional recipes, many of which come from their families. Sascha holds the creative reins, taking the photos that make you want to dive right in!