Munchies Magazine

Amara Okoro

Senior Culture & Travel Editor

With a master's degree in food anthropology, Amara Okoro brings a unique academic and narrative lens to her journalism. Her work has appeared in National Geographic Traveller and Saveur, and her documentary series on West African culinary traditions won a regional Emmy. At Munchies Magazine, she leads the culture and travel sections, focusing on immersive, long-form stories that connect readers to the people and places that shape global cuisine. She believes that food is the most accessible entry point to understanding a different culture.

Expertise

Food AnthropologyGlobal CuisinesCulinary TravelFood HistoryIngredient Sourcing & Supply ChainsWest African & Caribbean CuisinesStreet Food

Coverage Areas

Food & Culture Features
Culinary Travel Guides
The Global Pantry (Ingredient Spotlights)
Profiles of Artisans and Producers

Latest Articles

15th-century spice traders in a vibrant marketplace with ships on the horizon, highlighting the historical global reach of the spice trade.
Culture

What is the history of spices and their global cuisine influence?

In the 15th century, a single pound of nutmeg could buy seven oxen.

Jun 26, 2026 · 3 min read

A close-up, top-down view of a delicious plate of Bang Bang Chicken, showcasing its rich sauce and fresh garnishes in a professional food photography style.
Recipes

Eater Launches Epic Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Feature

Eater, the culinary titan, just unleashed an "Epic Bang Bang" recipe feature.

Jun 26, 2026 · 3 min read

A collection of Owala water bottles and tumblers displayed attractively, showcasing the Prime Day sale on award-winning hydration gear.
Recipes

Owala water bottles see 25% off deals during Prime Day

During Amazon Prime Day 2026, the Owala SmoothSip Tumbler, a 2025 Gear of the Year award winner, is available for under $25, according to Bon Appétit .

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Split image: person working remotely in kitchen, one side shows home-cooked meal, other side shows meal kit.
Culture

Remote Work's Surprising Impact on What We Eat in 2026

In 2020, meal delivery providers in the United States effectively doubled their meal kit sales from the previous year, a stark acceleration that reshaped kitchens across the nation.

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Chefs working in a modern, high-tech kitchen, interacting with AI interfaces integrated into their workstations.
Chefs & Personalities

Chefs Adapt to AI Integration in Professional Kitchens

At a major fast-casual chain in 2026, customers using AI-powered kiosks now report 20% faster service times compared to human-assisted orders, fundamentally reshaping the dining experience before a si

Jun 21, 2026 · 5 min read

Dallas restaurants are preparing for the 2026 World Cup, but early indicators suggest lower-than-expected crowd turnout.
Travel

Dallas Restaurants Prep for World Cup 2026, But Crowds May Disappoint

A hotel client in Dallas, strategically opened for the 2026 World Cup, has seen "nothing special" in business, according to John Franke of Franke Culinary Consulting .

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

A refreshing, vibrant fresh tomato michelada cocktail in a salt-rimmed glass, perfect for a summer party.
Recipes

Make a Fresh Tomato Michelada Recipe for Summer Parties

Forget watery, store-bought mixes: a new michelada recipe demands fresh tomatoes for a base so vibrant, it can be batched and stored for days.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

A modern kitchen scene with colorful vegetables being pressed in advanced kitchen gadgets, showcasing the future of healthy cooking.
Travel

Newest Pressing Recipes 2026: Science Unlocks Kitchen Potential

A recent study from the Culinary Institute of America found that simply pressing certain vegetables before cooking can increase their nutrient absorption by up to 30%.

Jun 14, 2026 · 4 min read

A close-up of a delicious sardine and preserved lemon chopped salad in a rustic bowl, featuring fresh herbs and vibrant ingredients.
Recipes

Sardine and Preserved Lemon Chopped Salad Recipe Takes Center Stage

A simple chopped salad, featuring sardines and preserved lemon, recently became a social media sensation.

Jun 11, 2026 · 3 min read

A lively summer potluck with a table full of diverse dishes, featuring Bon Appétit editors sharing their favorite cookbook recipes.
Travel

BA Editors Share Essential Cookbook Potluck Recipes for Summer 2026

At a recent summer potluck, Bon Appétit editor Hana Asbrink unveiled Jalapeño Bites from 'Perini Ranch Steakhouse Cocktails.

Jun 10, 2026 · 2 min read

A diverse group of people enjoying themselves inside a lively and welcoming gay bar, highlighting community and celebration.
Culture

Gay bars: Vital queer hubs, popularity strains sanctuary.

On April 9, a new queer bar named Fathom opened in Chicago's Lakeview, instantly drawing a line of patrons out the door and operating at full capacity, according to Windy City Times .

Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read

A stylish Bay Area bar interior with a mixologist preparing a visually stunning, innovative cocktail, highlighting the elevated drinking experience.
Culture

Best Bay Area Bars Elevate Drinking Experiences for 2026

In San Francisco, Bar Orso plans an "immersive woodland escape" for its February 2026 opening, promising house-made concoctions like candy cap mushroom ice cream.

Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read

A delicious-looking vanilla sheet cake on a wooden table, with a smartphone in the background showing a viral baking video.
Recipes

Easy Vanilla Sheet Cake Recipe Dominates Baking Trends

A viral TikTok video featuring a single sheet pan cake recipe garnered 50 million views in 24 hours, sparking a global frenzy for simplified baking.

Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

A single, delicious-looking chocolate chip cookie on a wooden table, with a hand reaching towards it in a moment of mindful indulgence.
Recipes

Stop Depriving Yourself of Cookies with Mindful Indulgence

The surprising truth is emerging: individuals who weave small, planned indulgences into their weekly diet often find greater success in managing their weight long-term than those who pursue total abst

Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read

A gourmet-style Maple Harissa Chicken with Butternut Squash dish, ready to serve, presented on a wooden table with a hint of kitchen activity in the background.
Chefs & Personalities

Quick Weeknight Meals from Top Chefs in an Hour or Less

A Maple Harissa Chicken With Butternut Squash, a dish that sounds gourmet, can be on your table in just one hour.

Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read

A group of friends joyfully toasting with colorful, elaborate zero-proof cocktails in a stylish bar setting.
Culture

What Is Driving Zero-Proof Cocktail Popularity?

The global mocktails market is projected to more than double in value, from 2.

Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read

An ancient healer in a rustic kitchen meticulously preparing a meal with fresh herbs and vegetables, symbolizing the historical use of food as medicine.
Culture

What is the historical significance of food as medicine?

Globally, 11 million deaths were attributable to dietary factors in 2017, a critical public health crisis.

Jun 4, 2026 · 4 min read

A stylish, intimate bar in Atlanta with a focus on innovative cocktails and a sophisticated ambiance.
Recipes

Atlanta's Top New Bars Blend Innovation and Intimate Settings

The wine bar at 640 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, earned national acclaim as one of Bon Appétit 's Best New Bars last year.

Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read

A close-up of a healthy tomato plant with deep green leaves and ripe red fruit, showcasing the results of proper planting and watering techniques.
Recipes

Tomato care essentials for heirloom and hybrid varieties

Even with the most expensive heirloom seeds, a single overlooked planting technique can slash your tomato yield by half, turning a potential bounty into a meager harvest.

Jun 2, 2026 · 2 min read

Aerial view of the Four Seasons Hualalai's on-site oyster pond, showcasing the cultivated oysters and the resort's luxurious Hawaiian setting.
Recipes

Four Seasons Hualalai Grows Oysters On-Site for Resort Guests

At the Four Seasons Hualalai, over 700 oysters are harvested weekly from an on-site pond, ready for guests to enjoy with Champagne just steps from where they grew, according to bonappetit .

Jun 2, 2026 · 3 min read