Ayesha Nurdjaja

Check out Chef Ayesha at Recipe for Innovation Live, presented by Invesco QQQ, Official ETF of NYCWFF at the Festival Culinary Demos

Recipe for Innovation is a gastronomic tribute to the innovative companies within the Invesco QQQ ETF, where chefs are inspired to rethink possibility through the universal language of food. Invesco QQQ is bringing this culinary exploration of innovation to life in a live demo with chef Ayesha Nurdjaja. Celebrated chef Ayesha will discuss the dishes she created for her Recipe for Innovation series and the Invesco QQQ companies that inspired them – including a live demo of one of her recipes.

Ayesha Nurdjaja is a celebrated chef, visionary leader, and a driving force in the culinary world. Born and raised in Brooklyn with Italian-Indonesian heritage, Ayesha discovered her passion for food early on. After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education, she honed her craft in renowned kitchens, including Lidia Bastianich’s Felidia, Picholine, and Missy Robbins’ A Voce.

Today, Ayesha is Chef & Partner at Shuka in SoHo and Shukette in Chelsea. Her vibrant Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, known for its bold flavors, seasonal focus, and inventive flair, has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following. Ayesha’s approach to cooking places a strong emphasis on seasonal, sustainably sourced produce, ensuring every dish tells a story of quality and connection.

Beyond the kitchen, Ayesha is deeply committed to mentorship, equity, and community impact. She serves on the board of The Sylvia Center, collaborates with the Food Education Fund, and contributes to the US Department of State Culinary Corps.

Ayesha has built teams marked by loyalty and longevity, where respect, accountability, and collaboration are central values. Her kitchen leadership is evident in long-standing team members who have grown alongside her, reflecting her mentorship and ability to build trust and camaraderie. Her dynamic personality, signature big hoop earrings, razor-sharp wit, and infectious energy make every dining experience uniquely memorable.

Ayesha is also a familiar face on television. She has been named the newest Titan on Bobby Flay’s Triple Threat, and makes regular appearances on other Food Network shows. She has also been featured on the TODAY Show, VICE Munchies, and NY1, where her passion for storytelling through food shines through.

On social media, Ayesha has cultivated a strong and engaged following. Known for her candid personality, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her kitchen, and vibrant recipe videos, she connects effortlessly with her 100,00+ followers.