Nikol Slatinska Nikol Slatinska | December 18, 2020 | Food & Drink,
Between providing delicious eats during the pandemic and giving back to their communities, these women-led food businesses have changed the landscape of Bay Area dining.
A seasonal salad from Cosecha
Besharam, the Urdu word for “shameless,” not only describes chef Heena Patel’s tendency to defy archaic standards for women in South Asia but also Gujarati cuisine’s bold flavors. Although the restaurant is currently only offering takeout and delivery, the mere mention of its name conjures images of the exuberant interior featuring walls painted with lively illustrations. Besharam’s pop-up menu continues to serve dishes such as the lamb rogan josh and vegetable biryani. 1275 Minnesota St., San Francisco
Shrimp tacos from Cosecha
This James Beard-nominated cafe is the passion project of chef and activist Dominica Rice-Cisneros. A second-generation Mexican American, Cisneros is on a mission to perfect the art of Chicana heritage cooking. Now, online ordering allows clients to take home meals such as the shrimp taco combo and grilled chicken torta for an authentic Mexican dining experience north of the border. 907 Washington St., Oakland
Between a successful food blog, cooking handbook, jam business and other esteemed restaurants, Kin Khao is just one of the accomplishments under Bangkok-born-and-raised chef Pim Techamuanvivit’s belt. The Michelin Guide eatery is known for its classic Thai cuisine, including som tum and pad kee mao, though a limited menu is currently offered. Nonetheless, San Francisco’s dining scene is only bolstered and diversified by a business so committed to authenticity. 690 Indiana St., San Francisco
Feeling a duty to preserve Cambodian culture through what she does best, chef Nite Yun created a menu of her mother’s recipes and shared the dishes with Bay Area residents through catering jobs and pop-ups. In 2018, Yun officially opened Nyum Bai as a sit-in restaurant, serving delicious classics such as Cambodian noodle soup and curry and rice. These eats are now available via online ordering and outdoor dining. 3340 E. 12th St., Oakland
Kim Levin opened Pasta Moon with the intention of keeping herself busy and enjoying the coastal lifestyle. More than 30 years later, the Italian kitchen is a go-to thanks to its innovative menus and locally sourced organic ingredients. After reopening for dine-in service in October, Pasta Moon continues to prove that it’s here to stay. 845 Main St., Half Moon Bay
After growing up around her grandparents’ Big Sur restaurant Nepenthe, Romney Steele decided to follow in their culinary footsteps. Steele has written two cookbooks and is currently the chef at The Cook and Her Farmer, the coastal cafe, wine and oyster bar serving fresh cuisine with a Southern twist. 510 Ninth St., Oakland
Photography by: By Sana Javeri Kadri/courtesy of cosecha