Ayesha Nurdjaja: The Brooklyn Chef Blending Cultures on TV and in NYC Kitchens
Hey food lovers! If you’re like me and always on the lookout for the next chef making waves, chances are you’ve already heard of Ayesha Nurdjaja. With her bold Mediterranean flavors, Food Network appearances, and two of New York City’s hottest restaurants, she’s hard to miss. But who is she beyond the kitchen? Let’s dive into her story — from her Brooklyn roots to her TV stardom, her restaurants, and what she’s up to now in 2025.
Early Life: From Brooklyn Roots to Global Flavors
Ayesha Nurdjaja was born November 1, 1978, in Brooklyn, New York, and she’s now 46 years old. Her childhood was filled with the aromas of a multicultural home: her mother, JoAnn, is Italian and a fantastic home cook, while her father is Indonesian and worked as a professional chef. Growing up in a lively townhouse with four generations, Ayesha often tagged along to international markets with her grandmother — experiences that shaped her signature style of blending Italian, Indonesian, and Mediterranean flavors.
Although she earned a business degree from Pace University in 2000 and briefly worked at a law firm, food eventually pulled her back in. Inspired by Lidia Bastianich’s PBS shows, she enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Education and graduated in 2006, ready to make her mark on New York’s kitchens.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Ayesha Nurdjaja is American by nationality, but her Italian and Indonesian heritage is central to her cooking identity. She’s traveled extensively through Italy, Israel, Morocco, and Tunisia, adding even more global flair to her dishes.
Career Highlights: From Line Cook to Award-Winning Chef
Ayesha started out at Felidia, where she worked her way up to sous chef under Lidia Bastianich. She later cooked at Michelin-starred Picholine with Terrance Brennan and A Voce with Missy Robbins before running kitchens at Il Bordello and Red Gravy in Brooklyn.
In 2015, she joined The Bowery Restaurant Group, where she transformed Hundred Acres into Shuka (2017) and launched Shukette (2021). Both restaurants quickly became go-to spots for vibrant, vegetable-forward Mediterranean food.
Her accolades include:
James Beard Award Finalist for Best Chef: New York State (2022 & 2023)
IACP Trailblazer Award (2025)
The New York Times Top 100 Restaurants list for Shuka in both 2023 and 2024
Where to Taste Her Cooking
Shuka (Greenwich Village): A warm, neighborhood spot with mezze platters, lamb tagine, and fresh seafood.
Shukette (Chelsea): A lively, grill-focused offshoot with smoky eggplant, falafel, and whipped feta — perfect for sharing with friends.
On TV: From Chopped to Food Network Titan
Ayesha first hit Food Network’s Chopped back in 2009 as a contestant, and years later returned as a judge. She’s since appeared on The Kitchen, Wildcard Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, and even Late Night With Seth Meyers.
The big news? In 2025, she became one of Bobby Flay’s handpicked Titans on Bobby’s Triple Threat Season 4, joining Michael Voltaggio and Brooke Williamson. The show premiered September 2, 2025, on Food Network, with episodes streaming on Max. She’s also featured on Hulu’s Holiday Recipe Rumble and Starting From Scratch.
Cookbook Status
As of now, Ayesha Nurdjaja hasn’t released a cookbook. Fans are eager, though — her recipes like kefti and egg tagine or fattoush with halloumi are just begging for a published collection.
Personal Life
Ayesha Nurdjaja keeps her personal life private. She hasn’t shared publicly whether she’s married, but outside the kitchen she enjoys blasting music before service, collecting antique jewelry, and spending time with her family. She’s also committed to giving back, serving on the board of The Sylvia Center, supporting the Food Education Fund, and joining the U.S. Department of State’s Culinary Corps.
Net Worth
While she hasn’t disclosed exact figures, with two thriving NYC restaurants, TV appearances, and industry recognition, Ayesha Nurdjaja’s net worth is estimated in the $1–5 million range.
Social Media Presence
You can follow Chef Ayesha on her Instagram @ayesha_rare, where she posts video of her dishes and recipes.
FAQs About Ayesha Nurdjaja
1. How old is Ayesha Nurdjaja?
Ayesha Nurdjaja is 46 years old. She was born on November 1, 1978, in Brooklyn, New York.
2. What is Ayesha Nurdjaja’s nationality and ethnicity?
She is American by nationality, with Italian and Indonesian heritage from her parents.
3. Is Ayesha Nurdjaja married?
There’s no public information on whether Ayesha Nurdjaja is married. She keeps her personal life low-key.
4. What restaurants does Ayesha Nurdjaja run?
She is the executive chef at Shuka in Greenwich Village and Shukette in Chelsea, both under The Bowery Restaurant Group.
5. What TV shows has Ayesha Nurdjaja been on?
Her TV appearances include Chopped (contestant and judge), The Kitchen, Wildcard Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, Bobby’s Triple Threat (as a Titan), Hulu’s Holiday Recipe Rumble, Starting From Scratch, and Late Night With Seth Meyers.
6. Does Ayesha Nurdjaja have a cookbook?
Not yet, but fans are hopeful she’ll publish one in the future.
7. What is Ayesha Nurdjaja’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated between $1–5 million, thanks to her successful restaurants and TV career.