Take a Look Inside Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Passport
The celebrated chef, whose new Afro-Caribbean restaurant, Dōgon, is now open in Washington, D.C., shares his favorite travel memories
Chef Kwame Onwuachi / Photo: Courtesy of Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Chef Kwame Onwuachi is no stranger to awards and stellar reviews. But even he was surprised when former New York Times critic Pete Wells released his list of the 100 best restaurants in the city, ranking Onwuachi’s Tatiana number one. “I scrolled to the bottom looking for us, then I scrolled to the top—it was surreal.” So when you’re number one, what’s next? He has gone back to his former home of Washington, D.C., to open a new Afro-Caribbean restaurant, Dōgon, in the Salamander hotel. “It feels cathartic and serendipitous returning.” The chef’s advice for young entrepreneurs? “Be afraid of your goals and keep pushing.” Here, his favorite places.
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India / Photo: Courtesy of SAIKO3P/iStock/Getty Images
“The food is amazing. No matter where you go or your price point, there’s something for everybody. Trishna, Bademiya and The Table are great restaurants. Mumbai is vibrant and electric. It reminds me of New York City or Lagos. I stayed at The Taj Mahal Palace. It’s a beautiful hotel with incredible rooms and views of the city.”
Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica / Photo: Courtesy of GummyBone/iStock/Getty Images
“I like cities that are energetic, maybe because I’m a New Yorker. Kingston is an amazing place full of energy. I recommend Devon House for curried goat patties and ice cream, and if you go to Hellshire Beach, try all of the seafood.”
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como, Italy / Photo: Courtesy of Villa Lario
“I don’t go for the food. I recommend staying at Villa Làrio. The views and atmosphere are so serene. You can, of course, take a boat and have charcuterie or walk to town for gelato or affogatos, but for me, I go for the feeling of just being there.”
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai,Thailand / Photo: Courtesy of Peter Chan/Alamy Stock Photo
“It’s very much a walking city encapsulated by four walls. You can walk around the whole city in a day and taste so much cuisine at a very, very reasonable price. The food is incredible. I loved eating khao soi, a noodle dish with chicken curry, Thai fried chicken and pork knuckles by the famous lady who wears a cowboy hat.”
