Emme Ribeiro Collins is the chef and creative force behind Baiana, a celebrated Afro-Brazilian pop-up in Seattle. She has also made her mark on national television as a two-time Food Network champion, winning both Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay.

Born in Salvador, Bahia, Emme is deeply proud of her Afro-Brazilian roots and heritage. Her cooking celebrates the flavors and traditions of Brazil, with a special emphasis on the dishes of Bahia, while also telling the broader story of the African diaspora.

Her culinary journey has taken her from running sold-out pop-ups to collaborating with acclaimed chefs and cooking for cultural events that highlight the power of food as a vessel for history and identity. Along the way, she has become a trusted voice on the intersection of food, culture, and storytelling.

Emme is currently working on her debut cookbook with Artisan, a regional journey through Brazil that highlights the country’s diverse cuisines and history. She also hosts Dishin’ Up Diaspora, a podcast that spotlights food professionals, exploring how flavors travel, transform, and connect communities.

Emme’s work has been featured in outlets such as Saveur and celebrated in kitchens and cultural spaces across the country. She has served as a James Beard Award judge for two years. Through it all, her mission remains clear: to honor her heritage, amplify overlooked food traditions, and create spaces where people connect over a shared table.