We know that people who love to eat are always the best people but what about people who make the food that we love to eat? Doesn’t that make them the best of the best? They provide a heavy dose of photogenic (not to mention delicious) meals and who can blame a person for craving a little food porn?
They are especially essential on days where you’re not on a roll, and you just need a kick of inspiration in the kitchen. With that in mind, spice up your Instagram feed with these ten chefs to follow! Get inspired with what drives them in the kitchen and watch the evolution of a dish that will guide your way into the kitchen.
1. Janice Wong (@janicewong2am)
Who is she?
The woman behind 2am: dessertbar in her native Singapore, Janice Wong’s never-ending passion for everything culinary has propelled her forward to test the limits of dessert making. She has received worldwide recognition for her cutting-edge desserts being named as Asia’s Best Pastry Chef for the second year running by the prestigious San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best in 2013 & 2014.
Why should I follow her?
Blurring the lines between dessert and art, Janice’s creations often look more like art installations than food. The food-meets-art features psychedelic colours and intricate details which draws you in immediately and leaves a deep impression in your memories.
2. Dominique Ansel (@dominiqueansel)
Who is he?
The James Beard award-winning pastry chef, Dominique Ansel, has shaken up the pastry world with innovation and creativity at the heart of his work. He was named World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2017 by the World’s Best Restaurant Awards for a reason, of course. You can’t have missed out on his most widely reported creation known as the signature Cronuts – a hybrid between croissants and donuts that became viral in 2013.
Why should I follow him?
Not to be defined by just one particular creation, the chef behind the cronuts and cookie shots uses Instagram to show off his edible creations in the industry, and desserts by other chefs that he obsesses over himself. Talking about his cookie shots – who needs tequila when you’ve got his cookies? Give us this classic twist, and we’ll take it any day.
3. David Chang (@davidchang)
Who is he?
The mastermind behind the Momofuku empire, David Chang is known for his creative and edgy attitude. His empire has spans New York, Sydney and Toronto and his sister bakery Milk Bar and food magazine Lucky Peach. New York-based Momofuku Ko, is currently No.69 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants with 2 Michelin stars.
Why should I follow him?
There’s a reason why he’s one of the most-followed chefs on Instagram: he knows how to tease! Apart from founding the Momofuku restaurants, he’s a master at the art of the drool-worthy slow-motion food videos, such as slow motion soft egg on chips – #foodporn at its best.
4. Gaggan Anand (@gaggan_anand)
Who is he?
The inimitable Gaggan Anand is the chef behind Gaggan in Bangkok, the No.1 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015 and No.10 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. The reason behind the hype is his constant reinvention and the creativity of his tasting menu. He shows diners a modern take on Indian classics by playing around with presentation and texture but retaining the authenticity of the flavours.
Why should I follow him?
Aside from the colourful food imagery and the cheeky behind the scenes photos, the humble Gaggan also shares pictures of his team and his unique traveling experiences along with his journey as a chef. His feed reflects an ever-changing theme, from pristine ingredients and platings to exciting places to eat.
5. Rene Redzepi (@reneredzepinoma)
Who is he?
The Danish chef is one of the world’s most influential chefs and king of Instagram for so many reasons. The founder of the Michelin starred restaurant Noma is praised for his reinvention and refinement of Nordic cuisine that emphasises on a clean flavours to the palette through the region specialities.
Why should I follow him?
His Instagram account is like no other – it is an ode to his passion for food and appreciation for each ingredient. Every photo is not only artfully geometric and breathtakingly colourful, but it makes you feel something. It takes you through the lengthy preparation and process that an ingredient goes through in cooking the food. Moreover, he also posts exotic and bizarre ingredients he comes across that inspires him.
6. Nate Appleman (@nappleman)
Who is he?
The 2009 James Beard Rising Chef Award winner has been garnered praise for his soulful cooking, local and national wise. The nose-to-tail style of cooking chef has worked in critically acclaimed kitchens across America before finally making a career move by focusing on vegetarian food.
Why should I follow him?
There is something about his Instagram that makes you want to get up and cook a really healthy meal for dinner. His feed is an ode to a proper home cooked meals, marked with platters of vegetables and hearty meals. His signature overhead shots bring out all the components of a dish in one vibrant and dynamic frame.
7. Jacques La Merde (@chefjacqueslamerde)
Who is he?
The apron behind Jacques La Merde is apparently Toronto based chef, Christine Flynn. Chef “Jacques la Merde” became an Instagram sensation when it parodies carefully plated dishes composed of ingredients found at fast food chains, vending machines and everyone’s favourite junk food aisle. The deconstructed processed food is taking the food world by storm.
Why should I follow “him?”
Well, if you have no experience in cooking yet you need to plate to impress, this is just the account you need to follow. Using your favorite restaurants food and hacks, all you need is to learn how to tweeze them and plate as he does. “Cooking” has never been any easier when you have five star plating skills.
8. Mathew Rice (@mathewsweet)
Who is he?
The nomadic chef living the sweet life puts the color in pastry! As an executive pastry chef in Nashville, he is in a league of his own with his ice cream and frozen desserts.
Why should I follow him?
Search him up, follow him and take a look at his Instagram – you’ll understand why. His feed is the epitome of happy-go-lucky – it’s vivid, it’s bright, and it’s cheerful. His creations will take you back to the delightful nostalgia of your childhood filled with rainbow sprinkles, cookie crumbs in a single a artistic snap.
9. Shirley Wong (@littlemissbento)
Who is she?
Well, most people would know her as the award-winning bento artist. However, little miss bento is also the first certified Singaporean instructor with the Japan Sushi Instructors’ Association. Her bento creations have been featured in numerous local and international media as well as won top awards globally.
Why should I follow her?
Embrace your inner art potential through none other than your lunch box! If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, Little Miss Bento’s Instagram feed will surely put a smile on your face and fill your hungry belly. It definitely will bring out the kid in you – so kawaii!
10. Nigella Lawson (@nigellalawson)
Who is she?
With more than ten cookbooks and millions made from her TV shows and cookware range, the sauciest chefs in the kitchen showcases her comfort food endeavours and recipes that she eats out and about. Her cooking isn’t store-bought perfection, but it’s a mess of homemade goodness!
Why should I follow her?
Expect an artfully arranged and stunningly photographed dishes from her. There’s no molecular science nor intricate platings – just comfort food at occasions of joy that speaks of simplicity at its best.
Say no more. I know, I know. It’s food porn at its best, isn’t it? Each chef tells a story through their feed – their love for ingredients and the dedication they put into each dish. Which of the following chef inspires you the most? Did we forget any of your favourites? Let us know by commenting below!
