Emma Bengtsson
Emma Bengtsson | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 27, 1981 Falkenberg, Sweden |
| Occupation | Chef |
| Known for | First Swedish female chef to receive two Michelin stars; executive chef at Aquavit, New York City |
Emma Bengtsson is a Swedish culinary professional distinguished by holding two Michelin stars at Aquavit, a renowned New York City restaurant. This achievement marks her as the first Swedish female chef to receive such an honor.
Career
Born on August 27, 1981, in Falkenberg, Sweden, Bengtsson originally dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot before her grandmother inspired her to pursue cooking. She completed her education at the International Restaurant School in Stockholm and gained practical experience through an internship at Edsbacka Krog, which was Sweden's sole two-Michelin-starred establishment at that time. Initially focusing on pastry, she spent four years there before moving on to Operakällaren within the Royal Swedish Opera, where she worked for five years.
Bengtsson was hired as the pastry chef at Aquavit in New York City under executive chef Marcus Jernmark. Following Jernmark's exit, she unexpectedly stepped into the executive chef position. Her guidance helped Aquavit secure its second Michelin star, making her the first Swedish woman and only the second female chef in the United States to hold two stars. In 2016, she managed the launch of Aquavit’s expanded venue in London, modifying the menu to accommodate a larger-scale operation.
Addressing the limited number of women with multiple Michelin stars, Bengtsson has noted that many female chefs prioritize their craft over pursuing accolades. She promotes a kitchen environment free from macho attitudes, emphasizing respect and teamwork rather than strict hierarchy or aggression.