Emma Bengtsson, a celebrated mentor chef, has captivated New York diners with her refined Nordic cuisine at Aquavit, where she serves light, bright dishes rooted in Scandinavian tradition. Growing up in Falkenberg, a Swedish fishing village, Emma was inspired by her grandmother’s home cooking and pursued culinary studies at the International Restaurant School in Stockholm at age 16.

Although she initially aspired to be a fighter pilot, Emma discovered her passion for pastry at Edsbacka Krog, Sweden’s only two-star Michelin restaurant at the time. After working at Operakällaren in Stockholm, a visit to Manhattan sparked her dream of moving to New York. In 2010, she joined Aquavit as pastry chef, earning acclaim for her Scandinavian desserts.

In 2014, Emma became Aquavit’s Executive Chef, transforming her pastry expertise into savory creations. Under her leadership, the restaurant earned two Michelin stars, making her the first Swedish woman to achieve this honor. Emma continues to innovate, incorporating fresh ideas into Aquavit’s menu while honoring the flavors and techniques she learned from her upbringing.