Ayesha Nurdjaja

Ayesha Nurdjaja is a celebrated Brooklyn-born chef of Italian-Indonesian descent, known for her bold, seasonal Eastern Mediterranean cuisine at Shuka and Shukette, where she is Chef and Partner. A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education, she honed her skills in acclaimed kitchens like Felidia and A Voce, and now also serves as Culinary Director for Vic’s, Rosie’s, and Cookshop under The Bowery Group. Beyond the kitchen, Ayesha is a passionate mentor and advocate, holding leadership roles with The Sylvia Center, the Food Education Fund, and the U.S. State Department’s Culinary Corps. Her dynamic personality and culinary vision have earned her a James Beard nomination and regular features in top outlets like The New York Times, Vogue, Esquire, and Food Network.