Thalia Barrios García

CHEF

OAXACA CITY, MEXICO

Thalía Barrios García is Oaxaca’s brightest new chef and cocinera tradicional (traditional cook). She has two restaurants – Levadura de Olla and Cocina de Humo – both located in the Centro Historico of Oaxaca City. 

Originally from a small mountain town called San Mateo Yucutindoó in the Sierra Sur of the state of Oaxaca, Thalia has been cooking since she was seven years old, helping her mother and grandmother cook as part of her household chores. Her style of cooking is rooted in the traditional cuisine of the Sierra Sur, and she focuses on sourcing native Oaxacan ingredients for both of her restaurants. 

She is beloved by her staff, many of whom she has trained and hired from her hometown. Thalia was named Food & Wine's Best New Chef in 2021.