Executive Chef | Food Network Judge | Philanthropist | Host

Born and raised in Ethiopia, Chef Fariyal Abdullahi grew up surrounded by the rich aromas of her mother’s cooking and the warmth of big family dinners. As the youngest of six
siblings—many of whom pursued careers in medicine—she was expected to follow a similar path. She moved to the United States for college, earning a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Child
Psychology. However, her passion for food ultimately led her down a different road.

Instead of pursuing a graduate degree, Abdullahi took a leap of faith and applied to the Culinary Institute of America. While awaiting her acceptance (which she got!), she embarked
on a culinary journey across 18 countries, immersing herself in diverse flavors and global cuisines. After culinary school, she landed a coveted position at the three-Michelin-starred
Noma in Copenhagen, working under René Redzepi and Dan Giusti—an experience that shaped her rigorous work ethic and refined her approach to food.

Returning to the U.S., Abdullahi worked her way up from a prep cook at Caviar Russe to becoming the culinary manager for five Hillstone Restaurant Group locations, opening and running restaurants across the country. Frustrated by the lack of diversity in hospitality, she eventually stepped away from the industry and returned to Ethiopia, believing her time in
restaurants had come to an end.

That changed with an unexpected call from Chef Marcus Samuelsson, who invited her to become the Executive Chef at Hav & Mar in NYC. At the acclaimed seafood restaurant, she
infuses her Ethiopian heritage into every dish while championing environmental sustainability and mentorship within her team.

Her talents have been recognized on major platforms, with her
dishes showcased at the Met Gala and in Vogue.

In 2024, Abdullahi was named a James Beard Award Finalist and will appear as a series judge on the ROKU series, Celebrity Family Food Battle. She is also a recurring judge on Food Network’s Chopped and Alex vs America. Beyond the kitchen, Abdullahi is deeply committed to giving back. She co-founded Take Care of Home, a non-profit organization dedicated to building schools and providing clean water access
to families in rural Ethiopia. This year, they are constructing their sixth school.

With a passion for food, culture, and community, Chef Fariyal Abdullahi continues to break barriers while inspiring the next generation of chefs and leaders.