Chew on this … “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
-King quoting Picasso
What’s New?
Holiday Hot Sauce Gift Boxes
Your purchase this holiday season will not only help support a community garden, but proceeds from sales will be donated to The Chef King Phojanakong Foundation to support our next charitable project.
CIA Scholarship Established
The Chef King Phojanakong Foundation partners with The Culinary Institute of America to establish The King Phojanakong ‘98 Memorial Scholarship.
The Chef King Phojanakong Foundation was established to continue the legacy of charitable giving that Chef King began as a passionate chef and restaurant owner in his community. The foundation will work to continue King’s legacy of service in the culinary arts and community, and Filipino American food culture. With the involvement of his wife, children and restaurant community, the foundation will endeavor to support those who wish to pursue a career in the culinary arts. The foundation will also continue to provide support to organizations aimed at promoting Filipino American food culture. We understand, like Chef King did, that together we are better able to make a difference and have a positive influence in our community.
Our Mission
King Phojanakong
King Phojanakong, who in the 2000s led the charge in bringing Filipino cuisine to the American culinary mainstream with his first restaurant, Kuma Inn — died on Jan. 2, 2023, in Manhattan after a rare brain disease. He was 54.
King is deeply missed by his family and friends. Through the establishment of this foundation, the thoughtfulness King exhibited in life will continue, supporting culinary students in their educational journey and passion for food.
No Kid Hungry
King was an ardent supporter of No Kid Hungry, participating in multiple advocacy initiatives as a proud representative of New York State. King also put his teaching background to good use by starring in educational videos with Cooking Matters, a national campaign run by Share Our Strength, which is on a mission to make eating healthier fast and affordable for families everywhere.
Small Axe Peppers Hot Sauce
King was the creator of Small Axe Peppers Hot Sauce made with peppers purchased from community gardens in cities across America.
The Culinary Institute of America
King graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in 1998. Throughout the years, King was a proud and active alum of CIA and was honored to be featured as a guest Chef at the 2022 Annual CIA awards event in Manhattan.
Through the establishment of a scholarship, the thoughtfulness King exhibited in life will continue, supporting culinary students in their educational journey and passion for food.