Jonathan Kung is a chef, cookbook author, and influential content creator known for his vibrant “third culture” cooking—blending cultural traditions, flavors, and ingredients that hold personal meaning. After working in some of Detroit’s top kitchens, he launched the successful pop-up Kung Food Market Studio. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure, Kung pivoted to social media. Since then, he has amassed a following of more than 2 million. Through short-form videos, he not only shares inventive recipes but also delivers accessible, reliable messaging on food, nutrition, and climate.
Food Tank President Danielle Nierenberg spoke with Kung about what it means to be a third culture cook, how to combat misinformation around nutrition and health, and the local, grassroots communities that he hopes to see more young people plug into to drive change.