While the red carpet dazzled with couture creations and bold statements, the 2025 Met Gala offered another carefully curated experience—culinary artistry that complemented the night’s theme:
“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Curated by The Met’s Costume Institute, the exhibition explores the cultural history of Black dandyism—the use of elegance, tailoring, and fashion as forms of identity, resistance, and pride across the African diaspora. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion, the show blends garments, fine art, and photography to tell a story of style as substance.

Many cultural commentators noted that the theme’s emphasis on Black identity, pride, and aesthetic power may not have been coincidental. With Donald Trump back in the White House, and divisive cultural rhetoric once again taking center stage, this year’s Met Gala felt like a deliberate act of celebration—and defiance.

And food was very much a part of that.

James Beard Award–winning chef Kwame Onwuachi, known for Afro-Caribbean cuisine rooted in heritage and flavor, designed a menu that honored the same spirit as the fashion: deeply cultural, proudly Black, and joyfully elevated.

🍴 The Menu: History You Can Taste

  • Starters:
    Piri-piri papaya salad with Caribbean-marinated cucumbers.

  • Main courses:
    Creole-roasted chicken with lemon emulsion, rice & peas, grilled collard greens with smoked bacon, and cornbread with honey curry butter.

  • Desserts:
    A cosmic brownie (bodega-style), sugared donut mousse, and honey cake with whipped cream.

Despite Anna Wintour’s strict no-phone policy, Megan Thee Stallion shared behind-the-scenes bites via TikTok—cornbread with caviar, lobster rolls with truffle, and luxe vegan dishes. Fans praised the boldness and cultural authenticity of the food as much as the fashion.

As always, certain ingredients were banned: no garlic, onions, chives, or parsley—to avoid lingering flavors or unsightly specks during selfies. Bruschetta? Also out. Too drippy for couture.