About me
Get to know me
Where Creativity Meets the Kitchen
Welcome to my world of plant-based culinary innovation, where food becomes a canvas for creativity, transformation, and play. With roots in the Canary Islands and experiences across the globe, I blend my passion for cooking with a unique approach to education and personal growth.I'm excited to share insights into my inspiring plant-based journey and connect with you through the universal language of food.
Join me as I share the journey of turning everyday ingredients into extraordinary experiences—and helping others unlock their creative potential, one dish at a time.
I spark creativity, one dish at a time
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¡Hola!
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I spark creativity, one dish at a time 〰️ ¡Hola! 〰️
From the Canary Islands to Creative Kitchens Worldwide
Hi, I'm Carolina Chinea — a creative force in the world of plant-based culinary arts, blending innovation, play, and transformation in everything I do.
I come from the sun-soaked Canary Islands, where my roots are as rich as the volcanic soil of La Gomera. My surname, Chinea, is an homage to my heritage, linked to the legend of Princess Echirea, a symbol of resilience and connection to the land. Just like my ancestors, I believe in the power of transformation—both in life and in the kitchen.
But here's a fun twist: I didn’t start out as a chef. My journey into plant-based cuisine began in London, where I landed without knowing a word of English. Desperate for a job, I stumbled into a raw café, applying as a kitchen porter. Instead, I found myself as a barista reading ingredient names I couldn’t pronounce—chaga, reishi, cordyceps. It was chaotic, confusing, and magical. That day ignited my passion for plant-based food—back when most people had never even heard of those ingredients!
My Culinary Adventures
Since that first chaotic shift, I’ve designed and led culinary projects across Cambodia (Vibe Café, Backyard Café), Qatar (Evergreen Organic), India, London (Plant Academy, Aurea), Paris (Hoy Paris), and Bali (Alchemy). Each project reflects my belief that food is not just nourishment—it’s a canvas for creativity and transformation.
I was an integral part of the founding team at Plant Academy, where I first developed the onsite programs, audited Plant One, participated in Plant Two as a guest instructor, and designed Plant Three — a hybrid program crafted to help aspiring entrepreneurs bring their plant-based ideas to life. My teaching blends design thinking, lateral thinking, and unique tools like The Plant Challenge Tarot Deck, a playful method to overcome creative blocks in the kitchen.
What Drives Me?
I believe that cooking is a playground where creativity meets personal growth. Whether it's slicing vegetables with precision, designing a menu from scratch, or experimenting with wild flavors, my goal is to help you unlock your creative potential—one dish at a time.
So, let me ask you: What story do you want your next dish to tell?
Credentials & Beyond
I’ve trained with Matthew Kenney Culinary and the Hofmann School of Hospitality, and I hold degrees in Art History, Artistic Photography, and a Master’s in Education. My background in art and education shapes my approach to food, turning each dish into an expression of both flavor and identity.
Every year, I invest time and resources in exploring new disciplines that help me offer even better services—because growth is a never-ending journey.
Let’s Create Together
Whether you're looking to reinvent your approach to plant-based cooking, develop a culinary project, or simply find joy in the kitchen again, I'm here to guide you.
LEARN. MOVE. EAT. Play
Let's leap into creativity—one inspiring step at a time.
Plan(t)s I have for 2025
Growth & Expansion
Re-Launch The Plant Challenge Tarot Deck
Develop El Cuaderno del Caos (culinario)
Design personalized 1:1 Culinary Training Sessions
Personal Development
Embrace creative rituals in the kitchen
Foster playful exploration through Mise en Place practices
Cultivate balance with mindful cooking weekends
Inspire & Educate
Launch Cooking with Purpose Course
Expand Culinary Chronicles with stories that feed inspiration
