In the heart of New York City, a unique cooking school is transforming the way people experience and connect with diverse cultures through food. Founded by Lisa Kyung Gross, The League of Kitchens brings together immigrant grandmothers from around the world to teach authentic recipes and share personal stories, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.

A Taste of Unity: Experience the Richness of Global Cuisine

The Birth of a Cultural Culinary Movement

New York City has long been a melting pot of cultures, and this vibrant diversity is now finding expression in an innovative cooking school that celebrates the richness of global cuisine. The League of Kitchens, founded by Lisa Kyung Gross, offers an immersive culinary experience led by immigrant grandmothers who bring their family recipes and traditions to life. These women, ranging from their 60s to 80s, hail from countries such as Afghanistan, Greece, Argentina, Bangladesh, India, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Korea, Nepal, and Uzbekistan. Each class is a window into the culinary heritage of these nations, offering students a rare opportunity to learn directly from those who have preserved these traditions for generations.Lisa’s inspiration came from her own upbringing. Her Korean grandmother, who lived with the family, was an exceptional cook but discouraged Lisa from helping in the kitchen, emphasizing the importance of education. After her grandmother’s passing, Lisa realized the invaluable nuances of traditional cooking that could only be learned firsthand. This realization led her to envision a platform where others could experience the same depth of knowledge and connection through food.

A Unique Learning Environment

The League of Kitchens stands out not just for its diverse offerings but for the intimate setting in which it operates. Classes are held in the chefs' homes, creating an environment that feels more like a family gathering than a formal cooking lesson. Students are welcomed into the chefs' kitchens, where they spend hours learning how to prepare dishes that have been passed down through generations. From stuffing baby eggplants with spices in chef Yamini Moshi’s Kew Gardens apartment to mastering the art of Argentine grilling in chef Mirta Rinaldi’s Forest Hills home, each class offers a glimpse into the chef's personal history and cultural background.The curriculum is designed to be both educational and experiential. A typical 5-hour session begins with a welcome lunch, followed by hands-on cooking, and concludes with a shared dinner. The meals prepared during the class are as varied as the chefs themselves, ranging from Japanese sushi to Mexican tamales. But beyond the food, it’s the stories shared over these meals that leave a lasting impact. Students often find themselves forming deep connections with the chefs, transcending cultural boundaries and fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Celebrating Diversity in a Divided World

In a time when political rhetoric often seeks to divide rather than unite, The League of Kitchens serves as a powerful reminder of the common threads that bind us. The chefs, many of whom have faced challenges as immigrants, use their platforms to share not only recipes but also their personal journeys. These stories help bridge the gap between communities, challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy. One student, after spending an afternoon with chef Yamini, reflected on the experience: “Today, you are not my guests. We cooked in my kitchen, together, so we belong to each other as a family now.”The League’s success has not gone unnoticed. Saveur magazine praised it as “the multicultural cooking school you’ve been waiting for,” while The Wall Street Journal commended its online classes as being “worth their salt.” Even Stephen Colbert featured the school on his late-night show, further elevating its profile. As the world continues to grapple with issues of immigration and cultural identity, The League of Kitchens offers a poignant reminder that food has the power to bring people together, fostering unity in a divided world.

Preserving Heritage Through Flavor

For many, the lessons learned at The League of Kitchens go beyond cooking techniques. They serve as a means of preserving cultural heritage. In a rapidly globalizing world, traditional recipes risk being lost or diluted. By teaching these recipes, the chefs ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the flavors of their ancestors. Lisa herself cherishes the Czech recipes passed down by her grandmother, noting that these dishes have always brought people together. Whether it’s dumplings or sauerkraut, the food serves as a conduit for storytelling and community building, reminding us that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.The League of Kitchens is more than just a cooking school; it’s a testament to the power of food to transcend borders and build bridges between cultures. In a city known for its diversity, this unique initiative is helping to create a more inclusive and connected society—one dish at a time.