Photo Credit: Nathalie Marquez Courtney
JESS MURPHY
CHEF & CO-OWNER AT KAI RESTAURANT
GALWAY, IRELAND
Jess Murphy is a multi award winning chef and co-owner of the iconic Kai Restaurant, located in the heart of Galway City.
Coming from Wairoa, New Zealand, Jess moved to Ireland in 2003. She has since made Galway her home. After opening up Kai Restaurant in 2011 with her husband Dave Murphy, this extraordinary husband-wife team has continuously nourished the souls (and bellies) of all who pass through the doors of Kai. With a clear emphasis on community and sustainability, Jess has made it her mission to provide sustenance through food as well as friendship.
The recent publication of her first book, ‘The Kai Cookbook: A Love Letter to the West of Ireland’ has been an incredible success garnering critical acclaim from national and international press alike. The cookbook is the long-awaited collection of 100 of Kai’s best loved dishes.
Jess was recently awarded the honor of retaining Ireland’s only Michelin Green Star. Kai continued to be celebrated for their environmentally focused menu working closely with over 100 local producers and farmers ensuring your plate is full of honest local ingredients.
Jess is a high profile ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Her work with the UNHCR has been absolutely transformative for people directly affected by war and those forcibly displaced from their communities. By using food as a powerful force for good, Jess continuously and openly advocates for those who need it most. Her book with Eoin Cluskey, “The United Nations of Cookies” saw 100% of author profits go directly to the UNHCR.
By working to build up the community around her, Jess’ impact is insurmountable and is highly valued by everyone she encounters.