Elise Hu

You're listening to TED Talks Daily, where we bring you new ideas to spark your curiosity every day.

I'm your host, Elise Hu.

Today's talk is part of our new 2025 TED Fellows Films, adapted for podcasts just for our TED Talks Daily listeners.

This is part of a special series of episodes we release throughout the year, showcasing the incredible stories behind the TED Fellows program, which supports a network of global innovators.

Today, we'd like you to meet chef and culinary innovator, Duivel Malanga.

Duivel Malanga.

Malanga has traveled to nearly every country in Africa, tasting flavors straight from farms and local kitchens to learn about the traditions that transform a dish.

Today, he runs a culinary center in Rwanda, where he works to train the next generation of top chefs from across the continent, collaboratively crafting food that shares each country's culinary secrets with the world.

He shares the importance of honoring where you're from while also embracing the diversity and joy of the world's many flavors.

After we hear from Malonga, stick around for his conversation with TED Fellows Program Director Lily James Olds.

And now a special conversation between Malanga and TED Fellows program director Lily James Olds.

They discuss his early culinary days in Europe, what led him back home, and why the most important kitchen, for him at least, will always be grandma's.

That's coming up right after a short break.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

And that's it for today.

This episode was produced by Lucy Little, edited by Alejandra Salazar, and fact-checked by Eva Dasher.

The audio you heard at the top comes from the short film made by Divya Gidangi and Owen McLean, story edited by Corey Hajim, and produced by Ian Lowe.

Video production manager is Searing Dolma.

Additional support from Lily James Olds, Leonie Horster, and Allegra Pearl.