Diving into Chef Ayana’s Diverse Ancestral Heritage
Who is Chef Ayana G. Chung?
Growing up in the heart of Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean, my story is woven with cherished memories of Flatbush and the people who made it vibrant—especially my beloved grandmother, whose Guyanese recipes and wisdom first inspired me in the kitchen. Now, as the chef behind Cooking With Ayana, it’s a true honor to bring my culinary journey full circle, creating and sharing food from my space at the historic Flatbush Caton Market in the Mangrove marketplace—right where my roots run deepest.
Chef Ayana at Mangrove with an image honoring Grandma Chung
From the time I was a little girl, Caribbean and Indigenous culture have been the heartbeat of my life. I grew up speaking fluent Patois, playing steel pan (steel drum), and “playing mas” at Kiddie Carnival with Sesame Flyers, where I also spent joyous summers at camp. The rhythms of dancehall, soca, and the energy of 90s Flatbush shaped my love of music—and yes, you’ll still find me on any dance floor!
The three musketeers: Ray, Ayana, and Justin!
Dad, Grandma & Grandpa
Family is at the center of everything. My Grandpa Chung and Grandma Chung believed in nurturing every talent, immersing me in music with piano and violin lessons, and encouraging artistic growth with Chinese calligraphy. Grandpa Chung even sent some of us to Chinese elementary school in Chinatown, Manhattan, so we could truly connect with our roots. They wanted our skills to be as diverse as our heritage.
My name, Chung, honors my paternal grandfather, whose family migrated from China to Guyana. Like many Chinese and Asian families who journeyed to the Caribbean, Grandpa Chung’s family came seeking safety and the chance to start anew—to build lives, create families, and become a vital part of their new communities. It’s a history of migration, resilience, and intermingling with the rich array of native Caribbean cultures.
Great Grandma Chung- where we get the name from!
Handsome Great Grandpa (Adams! Grandpa’s Dad)
Grandpa Chung as a wee child lol XD
Handsome Grandpa Chung :)
Justin, Grandpa Chung and me!
Us three again plus Mommy
Sweet Grandpa Chung holding me as a baby!
Me and Grandpa Chung!
They say we favor triplets! LOL I always wondered if Grandpa is my dad! JK. Me, Gramps & my brother!
My Chinese Guyanese Aunties (Grandpa Chung’s Sisters)
Also peep schoolboy Jussy(Justin) pon di bottom lol <3
Grandpa and his Sisters back in Guyana!
At the Most Diverse Borough in the World- QUEENS!!
Grandma Chung (née Denny, later Mrs. Chung) is a beautiful embodiment of Guyana’s rich tapestry; her roots reach deep into Carib Indigenous or Arawak ancestry, as well as Ethiopia and Africa. Through her, I’m connected to the full vibrancy and diversity of Caribbean heritage. I carry these blended legacies proudly—I am partially Chinese, part Indigenous, part African, and fully rooted in Guyana’s and Brooklyn’s multicultural spirit.
Baby me and Grandma Chung!
Grandma Chung on the right always dressed to the nines!
Grandma Chung- I love seeing shots of her in the kitchen!
Wait is that uncle Aubrey on the left? Whose now a notable chef! LOL
Our ancestral history unties all the Colors of Guyana
Grandpa Chung on far top left, his sisters, his son Uncle Ty
His nephews on the bottom with his son Alston & Grandson Justin!
“Out of many one!”
Reppin GY GY GY GY GY GY GY GY STR8888888 LOL
Brownsville, Sutter, Rutland, Wilmour Place, and East 94th Street were more than just blocks—they were family. The air always fragrant with curry, each hallway telling a story, every home holding a different take on the spice that seemed to link us all. Few things make me feel more at home than the pungent aroma of curry drifting through open windows, transporting me straight to the heart of the Caribbean—even here in Brooklyn.
My father, Uncle Ty & Uncle Alston back in Guyana as kids
A large part of our family back in Guyana at Grandma & Grandpa’s wedding!
Us full circle at Uncle Alston’s wedding now! lol DIVERSITY
Some of my deepest strength comes from my great-grandma—a resolute, fearless woman who never backed down. Today, I channel her unapologetic spirit and confidence, especially as I set boundaries and embrace my authentic self. One cherished memory that stays with me is the day she unveiled a very old cassette tape, letting me listen to the vibrant live calypso music from Guyana. The raw sound of the instruments—nothing artificial or digital—mingled with the heartfelt voices of our ancestors, singing from deep within. That music, in its purest form, revealed to me the beauty of true heritage.
Uncle Ty feeding Great Grandma Doreen with Grandma Chung looking on with delight and Jussy pon di bottom lol!
From left to right top left: Auntie Lena, Great Grandma Doreen, Grandpa poking he lil head in de bacc LOL, Grandma Chung!, Mommy, Aunty Joylin, & Me. (bottom)
Where Art Thou Jussy (Justin) LOL?
Church Avenue and the Flatbush community aren’t just my home—they’re my inspiration and my canvas. My love languages are dance, film, art, and, of course, food. Whether it was step team, African or Caribbean dance teams at Isaac Bildersee Beacon afterschool, Sesame Flyers International or hip hop—movement, creativity, and flavor have always been how I express love. Few things make me feel more at home than the pungent aroma of curry drifting through open windows, transporting me straight to the heart of the Caribbean—even here in Brooklyn.
As a proud child of immigrants, my journey is deeply rooted in the experiences of those who courageously came before me—seeking new beginnings, safe haven, and opportunities to build a brighter future for their families. The blend of cultures in my lineage, from my Chinese-Guyanese heritage to my Caribbean and African roots, represents the resilience, adaptability, and unbreakable spirit of immigrant families.
My parents and grandparents instilled in me not only the flavors and traditions of their homelands, but also the enduring lessons of perseverance, gratitude, and community. Their sacrifices and dreams have shaped every aspect of who I am—fueling my passion for food, empowering storytelling, and honoring the generations whose journeys allowed me to thrive in Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean.
At Cooking With Ayana, every dish and every story is a tribute to the immigrant spirit that runs through my veins, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures, memories, and wisdom that make up my origin story. I am forever inspired by the journey from distant shores to Flatbush, and I strive—with every recipe and every shared memory—to honor those who paved the way.
But my passion doesn’t end at tradition alone. I have always loved to travel, experiencing the wonder of new lands and learning from people of every background. My wardrobe, home, and cuisine—all proudly reflect the mosaic of cultures I embrace. Each dish I create tells a story of intermingled languages, customs, and inspirations. For me, food is a universal language—a way to unite, uplift, and erase boundaries.
This indian restaurant transported me straight to Guyana!
The vybz were amazing, it’s so funny I had a karela(bitter melon) in my bag to show them, Karela is a location in india! We listened to diverse music including Doja Cat lol alongside Chutney etc. I love the unity between Humanity!
As a “global human,” I celebrate the beauty in our differences and see them as bridges, not barriers. My mission is to nourish both body and soul: fostering understanding, honoring ancestral wisdom, and reminding the world that, in the end, we are all one. Through every meal and every memory shared at Cooking With Ayana, I invite you to taste the unity, resilience, and vibrant spirit of a community that knows—one love connects us. Welcome to my kitchen. Welcome to my Brooklyn, my Queens and my NYC!
Cooking With Ayana is my way of celebrating this beautiful, multigenerational story—honoring my heritage, my community, and all the unforgettable meals and memories that connect us. To honor these cherished moments, I’m launching a series of blog posts focused on treasured times with my elders, and a fresh take on my origin story—continuing the tradition of passing stories from one generation to the next.
