Chala June
Culinary Artist, Researcher, & Storyteller
London, England | Pronouns: they/he
-
Chala is a Congolese-American culinary artist, researcher and storyteller. Inspired by the rich cultural legacies of their Black, queer, and trans communities, Chala’s work seeks to empower those from marginalised and minoritised backgrounds to find their voice and share their story — particularly through the universal language of food.
Chala’s journalistic work has been featured in major publications including Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Food Republic, New York Magazine and 2025’s Best American Food & Travel Writing. Chala’s has also been invited to speak on a number of podcasts as well as industry and academic panels including 2024’s inaugural Queer Food Conference in Boston.
Chala is also a restaurant-trained cook and has curated and collaborated on a number of dining experiences hosted jn New York, California, and Massachusetts. Chala's culinary style draws largely on the flavors of African diaspora, marrying them with international ingredients and globally influenced techniques.
All of Chala's work is rooted in the Akan concept of Sankofa, which means ‘to go back and get it.’ As a descendant of the survivors of chattel slavery and colonial violence on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, Chala’s work and life are dedicated to honoring the resilience of their ancestors while paving a path for the generations to come.
Chala holds a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College and an MA in Anthropology of Food from SOAS, University of London.
-
Activists & advocates, Creative artists, Facilitators, Public speakers, Network weavers, Researchers, Writers & journalists
-
mxchalajune@gmail.com