Pia Leon and Malena Martinez: The Science of Peruvian Cooking

This presentation explores the culinary philosophy of renowned Peruvian chefs Pia León and Malena Martínez, who lead the globally celebrated restaurants Central, Kjolle, and Mil. They highlight how Peru's extreme biodiversity and microclimates inform their cooking, using ingredients sourced across the country’s ecosystems—from the Andes to the Amazon. The chefs describe their research-driven approach to food, showing how one ingredient, such as the cacao fruit, can be transformed into multiple components of a dish, minimizing waste and elevating native flavors. Their mission goes beyond gastronomy, offering an immersive cultural experience that connects diners to Peru’s landscapes, communities, and heritage. ____________ SEE MORE SCIENCE AND COOKING VIDEOS:    • Science & Cooking   _________________ VISIT THE SCIENCE AND COOKING WEBSITE: https://sciencecooking.seas.harvard.edu _________________ VISIT US ON SOCIAL MEDIA / hseas / harvardseas / hseas / dashboard _________________ Hashtags: #HarvardSEAS #harvardengineering #harvard #research #scienceandcooking