Mika Leon: Chef Talks Cuban Soul, Family Legacy & Finding Your Way Back to Your Roots

Chef, author, entrepreneur and television personality Mika Leon joins AW Confidential for a heartfelt conversation about Cuban culture, family legacy, identity and finding your way back to the things that matter most. Known for appearances on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, Tournament of Champions, Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted and more, Mika has spent more than a decade bringing her modern take on Cuban cuisine to audiences across the country. Now, she’s celebrating her roots with her debut cookbook, Cuban Soul: 100 Vibrant Recipes from Mi Cocina. In this conversation, Mika opens up about growing up in a big Cuban family in Miami, the traditions passed down through generations, making those traditions her own, and what it means to stay connected to where you come from while still finding your own path. We also talk about: • How her Cuban upbringing shaped who she is today • The family history behind Cuban Soul • Honoring tradition while creating something of your own • Whether her food has ever been questioned as “Cuban enough” • Finding her spark again after years of building and achieving • Learning to say no to what no longer fills her cup • Raising a family and passing culture to the next generation • The ONE recipe from Cuban Soul Mika says best represents her story • Her AW Truth Bomb about staying connected to your roots while finding your own way Cuban Soul: 100 Vibrant Recipes from Mi Cocina is available October 6. If this conversation speaks to you, subscribe to AW Confidential for more honest conversations about identity, culture, reinvention, resilience and becoming who you’re meant to be. AW Confidential, where truth transforms. Learn more about Mika, visit Instagram @mikabites or www.mikaleon.com #MikaLeon #CubanSoul #CubanFood #CubanCulture #Latina #HispanicHeritageMonth #AWConfidential #cubanaenusa #cooking #chef #cookingathome #miami