Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants

Chef Tita receives the Champions of Change Award for the first time
Photo provided
Photo provided
Alexandra Gorsche © Conny Leitgeb Photography
4. October 2025 | 
Alexandra Gorsche
4. October 2025
|
Alexandra Gorsche

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.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!
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Guest chef at Hangar-7: Sven Erik Renaa

The three-star chef from Norway presents Nordic cuisine in Salzburg

Three Michelin stars, uncompromising precision, and a clear culinary signature: in October 2025, Norwegian top chef Sven Erik Renaa will bring the flavors of his homeland to the Ikarus restaurant in Red Bull Hangar-7. With his philosophy of “Perfect Simplified,” he shows how Nordic nature, ancient traditions, and contemporary creativity open up a new dimension of the fine dining experience.

Book tip of the week: La Mamounia x Assouline

The essence of a place in words and pictures

The legendary La Mamounia palace hotel in Marrakesh has been considered the epitome of sophistication and Moroccan art de vivre for over a century. In collaboration with Assouline Publishing, an extraordinary book dedicated to this iconic place has been published.

Through stories, anecdotes, and personal snapshots, author Laurence Benaïm unfolds the fascinating history of the hotel  –from its opening in 1923 to the present day. Accompanied by impressive imagery, the result is a vivid portrait that showcases the architecture, culture, and close connection between the hotel and its city, Marrakech.

INFO
La Mamounia x Assouline
Author: Laurence Benaïm
Publisher: Assouline
208 pages
ISBN: 9781649804280
Price: €120

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PR in the restaurant industry

Flavor lingers on the palate. And in the mind.

Whether it’s a dish or a drink, flavor is an emotion that always tells a story. The culinary aspect is often complemented by selected communication strategists.

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Chef Tita, photo provided
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.