Hola!
I’m Diego Cerdán, a Peruvian chef and Ceviche lover.
My passion for cooking comes not only from the food itself but also from what each dish can convey. From a young age, I learned that cooking is much more than just feeding yourself—it’s a way to connect, to bring the family together, and to share special moments. My mother was my first teacher, the one who taught me my first steps in the kitchen and showed me the true power of food, something I saw growing up, especially in a big family like mine.
My professional journey began in Lima, Peru, where I trained to become a chef and worked at various restaurants. At 19, after finishing my studies, I had the opportunity to embark on a project in Cusco, advising and opening a restaurant, which gave me an incredible experience in creation and execution. I returned to Lima, worked in another restaurant, but my entrepreneurial spirit led me to open what today would be called a "speakeasy," where I used the living room of my parents’ house to surprise my family, friends, and neighbors with a small but varied menu of ceviches, seafood rice dishes, Leche de tigre, and more. After running one of the most successful catering services of the time for a while, I had to leave my country, like many others at that time, with a suitcase full of dreams and hopes.
I love the phrase 'A full belly, a happy heart' because for me, it's more than just words—it's a philosophy.
This is just the beginning because my entrepreneurial side never stops. I want to continue spreading my Peruvian cuisine and showing more people how delicious it is by sharing my dishes and teaching others to enjoy cooking the way I do.
My goal is simple: to make you feel the happiness that cooking can offer. Every dish has a story, and my aim is for you to enjoy it while you cook, learn, and share it with those you care about most.
I arrived in New York, one of the most competitive cities in the world, not knowing what to expect, but with a firm decision to follow my passion. I worked in wonderful restaurants, learned, and grew. Eventually, I joined ABC Cocina under the renowned chef Jean-Georges, where I expanded my culinary vision. I must say that this was the best professional experience of my career. But my entrepreneurial hunger returned, and I felt the need to connect with people in a more personal way, through cooking. That’s when my cooking classes were born: a space where I can share what I love, my experiences, and my knowledge of Peruvian and international cuisine.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. To everyone who has been part of my classes or tried my dishes, thank you for your support. Without you, none of this would be possible. This is just the beginning.
See you soon in the kitchen!
