Chef: Jewan Manuel

Cuisine: Plant-based

Address: Pop-ups

Instagram: @itsplantbasedpapi

Webiste: www.plantbasedpapi.com

Chef Jewan Manuel is a force in the culinary world, with over 15 years of experience redefining plant-based cuisine. A Flint, Michigan native, Jewan’s culinary journey started early—dual enrolling in college courses while still in high school to secure a spot in a prestigious university culinary program. His ambition led him to sharpen his skills in award-winning restaurants across Chicago and Grand Rapids, but it was a pivotal move to Los Angeles that shifted his perspective and set the stage for something bigger.

In 2017, Jewan relocated to Portland, Oregon, initially exploring other business ventures before realizing that his true calling was back in the kitchen. In 2018, he launched Plant Based Papi, starting with vegan cheese-making classes before evolving into a must-try local food pop-up, serving his now-famous Plant Based Papi Tacos. By 2019, his underground tasting dinners were drawing sold-out crowds, paving the way for him to open his first brick-and-mortar location in December 2020—where Portlanders lined up around the block to get a taste.

Now a household name in the Pacific Northwest’s plant-based dining scene, Jewan has opened two of his own vegan establishments and remains committed to pushing culture forward. With a deep focus on ownership, representation, and mentorship, he has partnered with multiple nonprofits, launched his own mentorship program, and serves as a private chef to A-list celebrity clientele. Jewan’s mission is simple but powerful: to uplift his community, break barriers in the culinary industry, and inspire the next generation through food, culture, and creativity.

Chef Jewan Manuel is a force in the culinary world, with over 15 years of experience redefining plant-based cuisine. A Flint, Michigan native, Jewan’s culinary journey started early—dual enrolling in college courses while still in high school to secure a spot in a prestigious university culinary program. His ambition led him to sharpen his skills in award-winning restaurants across Chicago and Grand Rapids, but it was a pivotal move to Los Angeles that shifted his perspective and set the stage for something bigger.

In 2017, Jewan relocated to Portland, Oregon, initially exploring other business ventures before realizing that his true calling was back in the kitchen. In 2018, he launched Plant Based Papi, starting with vegan cheese-making classes before evolving into a must-try local food pop-up, serving his now-famous Plant Based Papi Tacos. By 2019, his underground tasting dinners were drawing sold-out crowds, paving the way for him to open his first brick-and-mortar location in December 2020—where Portlanders lined up around the block to get a taste.

Now a household name in the Pacific Northwest’s plant-based dining scene, Jewan has opened two of his own vegan establishments and remains committed to pushing culture forward. With a deep focus on ownership, representation, and mentorship, he has partnered with multiple nonprofits, launched his own mentorship program, and serves as a private chef to A-list celebrity clientele. Jewan’s mission is simple but powerful: to uplift his community, break barriers in the culinary industry, and inspire the next generation through food, culture, and creativity.