Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants
The first-ever Champions of Change Award, presented as part of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, highlights the role of gastronomy as a driver of social change. The award goes to Dominican chef Inés Páez Nin – Chef Tita, who preserves culinary heritage and empowers entire communities through her Fundación IMA.
Champions of Change Award
Today, gastronomy is much more than just enjoyment and fine dining. It is a platform for dialogue, cultural identity, and social responsibility. This is precisely where Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 comes in: for the first time in the history of the list, the Champions of Change Award was presented in Latin America. The winner is Dominican top chef Inés Páez Nin, better known as Chef Tita.
Culinary heritage of the Dominican Republic
With her non-profit organization Fundación IMA, she is committed to making gastronomy a driving force for social, cultural, and economic development. Small farmers, producers, and rural communities in particular benefit from her work. The aim is to promote local products, raise awareness of the Dominican Republic's culinary heritage and create opportunities for future generations.
The name of the foundation – “IMA” means food in the language of the indigenous Taíno people – reflects its belief that food is not only a source of nutrition, but also a tool for strengthening and empowering people. In addition to projects for food security and education, Fundación IMA is also dedicated to preserving traditional cooking techniques, which are to be protected as part of the national heritage.
Recognition for dedication
The award also sends a strong signal internationally: gastronomy is increasingly becoming a global driver of sustainability, responsibility, and cultural visibility. William Drew, Director of Content at 50 Best, emphasizes: “We are incredibly proud to honor Chef Tita and support her work, which strengthens communities and preserves the culinary heritage of the Dominican Republic.” Chef Tita herself describes the award as “heartfelt recognition for the years of dedication and love that have gone into rediscovering and developing Dominican cuisine.”
50Best Gala in December
The Champions of Change Award is the first of several awards to be announced in the run-up to the awards ceremony on December 2, 2025, in Antigua, Guatemala. In addition to the gala, #50BestTalks and Signature Sessions are once again planned, bringing together the international gastronomic elite and local hosts. The 50 Best initiative thus confirms its claim to not only create rankings, but also to provide relevant impetus for the future of gastronomy and hospitality.
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