The food world is, like so many other industries, having a good look at how it can be more inclusive. More so, because of recent controversies, which have given many of us food for thought. Such as when Bon Appetit saw three of its stars, all people of colour, walk out, claiming to be working on a lower wage to their white counterparts. This was around the same time prominent food writer Alison Roman drew criticism for her comments of Chrissy Teigen for ‘selling out’. These amount to, many believe, a deep seated problem with how black people are represented in our modern food culture. But here’s the thing – there are tons of great Black food writers, chefs and bloggers out there cooking up a treat. To give you a taster, here are three who run mouthwatering Insta-accounts you should definitely follow…
Rachel Ama
Rachel’s Instagram ticks all the boxes: first there’s her model looks and interiors eye candy – and she pairs them with utterly delicious plates of food! She’s the author of Vegan Eats, and so naturally, all her recipes are plant based. But even if you love a good steak and chips blowout, her veggie inventions are something to behold. Try her Vegan BBQ Jerk Tacos or Soy-Free Vegan Burgers, and check out her IGTVs on veganism in African and West Indian cooking. She’s also a big beauty fan (her skin is the definition of glowy) and regularly posts the vegan skincare and body care products she’s using and loving.
Baked by Benji
Many of you will recognise Benjamina from the seventh series of The Great British Bake Off, where she finished as a quarter finalist. Alongside that, the Londoner’s got plenty of accolades to her name, from being an ambassador for social enterprise Luminary Bakery and cofounder of The Sister Table, which hosts Brunch Clubs for women (check out both accounts – they’re amazing!) It’s her Insta account we love the most, though. It’s a beautiful, minimal, calming space filled with delicate pastries, oozy cakes and crumbly biscuits. Of course she’s an author too and her book The New Way to Cake was released last year, which will have you savouring for the techniques of sough dough and whipping up a ganache like a pro in no time.
Food Heaven
Duo Wendy and Jess, food lovers and best friends, say they’re ‘exploring the intersections of nutrition, food, culture and body image’. They’re dieticians by trade and have created Food Heaven to bring their expert knowledge to a wider audience. From tips like 5 efficient ways to cook for one and their top kitchen tools, to talking about what you can and cannot freeze and problems around inequality – right through to how Covid is affecting our lives. They also host a podcast under the same name. If this sounds heavy, one look at their Insta page will prove it’s anything but. It’s gorgeous, friendly and fun, not to mention packed with yummy plates of food.
