Gastón Acurio

Gastón Acurio is a Peruvian chef, restaurateur and cookbook author who has helped turn Peruvian cuisine into a global phenomenon. After studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, he returned to Lima and in 1994 opened Astrid & Gastón — a pioneering restaurant that fused French technique with native Peruvian ingredients and flavours. Since then, he has founded a network of acclaimed restaurants (from La Mar to Tanta), authored several influential cookbooks, and hosted culinary-culture TV shows. Beyond food, Acurio has invested in social and educational initiatives: he helped found the culinary school Pachacútec Culinary Institute to offer training opportunities to underprivileged youths — believing gastronomy can be a force for social mobility. He remains a leading voice advocating for Peru’s culinary heritage and biodiversity, turning dishes like ceviche, aji-amarillo and native potatoes into global ambassadors for his country.