When you walk by one of the restaurants that Chef Nashid Ali cooks at within Disneyland Resort, the aromas abundant from his simmering ingredients might pull you in as if you’re being beckoned to your kitchen table by the sweet smells of a home cooked meal. That’s because Chef Ali brings the flavors of his home to the resort. His food brings people together and makes Disneyland Resort feel like home.
These are the feelings that Chef Nashid Ali inspires in his cooking. Beginning with his father’s cooking, Chef Ali’s journey started in the kitchen of his childhood home. Not yet knowing that his family recipe of black-eyed peas would become a significant part of his culinary legacy, he embraced his father’s love of food, which always brought a sense of comfort and togetherness to Ali.
Years later, Chef Ali would bring his family-inspired culinary skills and recipes to Disneyland Resort, a place where possibilities (and ingredients) are endless.
A culinary legacy
Over the last 18 years of his Disney career, Chef Ali contributed to culinary experiences at dining locations ranging from buffet-style restaurants like Storytellers Café to signature fine dining at Napa Rose, providing guests unique and award-winning California flavor and style. His long-standing career highlights include being selected for the opening team at Carthay Circle Restaurant in 2012, as well as embarking on a journey with chef teams all across Disneyland park, creating many dishes and inspiring recipes that have become kneaded into the cultural dough of the resort.
“Disney gave me opportunities I couldn’t have imagined – working in fine dining, opening new restaurants and even reimagining existing spaces,” Chef Ali explained. “Each step taught me something new and inspired me to keep growing.”
A tribute to Black history
Chef Ali tributes his culinary vision to his father and looks back appreciatively on the impact the black-eyed peas recipe had on him personally and professionally. The memory of that dish from his childhood directly influenced his resourcefulness, passion and extraordinary taste in food. Bringing that memory full-circle, Chef Ali has stirred his family recipe to life during Black History Month at Disneyland Resort.
In celebration of the heritage month Chef Ali crafted two renditions of black-eyed peas and rice: a smoked turkey version served at Tiana’s Palace and a heartier ham hock variation offered at Award Wieners. Highlighting black-eyed peas during Black History Month allows Chef Ali to share this meaningful tradition with others while honoring its cultural significance, and the personal connection it has to his family and his professional growth.
“This dish is rustic yet rich with history,” Chef Ali shared. “It’s a reflection of how our culture has always found ways to nourish both the body and the soul.” A philosophy Chef Ali carries through his cooking, he stresses the importance of always being intentional and cooking with care.
Chef Ali discusses Cultured Palette recipes with fellow Disneyland Resort culinary team members.
Storytelling: A recipe for success
Chef Ali continues to serve it forward by investing in his team’s growth and the future generations of chefs at the resort. Whether it’s guiding his team through the process of a new recipe, or teaching an innovative cooking technique, Chef Ali believes in investing in others to help them take the next step in their career. Constantly pushing his team and the resort to new foodie heights, Chef Ali is shaping the culinary culture through leadership and storytelling.
“Culinary is like storytelling,” Chef Ali reflected. “You can read a recipe, but the real meaning comes from being shown and told. It’s about passion and knowledge that brings a dish to life.”
Chef Ali continues to bring the culinary experience to life for both his team and guests by bringing the feeling of family, heritage and comfort to his work. No matter where he goes, who he helps or what he cooks, Chef Ali will always remember that it all started with his father’s recipe in his family’s kitchen.
“To take something my dad made for me as a kid and share it with so many people – it’s a dream come true,” Chef Ali smiled. “I know he’d be proud.”
Want to bring Chef Ali’s dish to your own table?
Download the recipe here.
For guests visiting Disneyland Resort this February, join us to enjoy Chef Ali’s black-eyed peas at Tiana’s Palace in Disneyland park or Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure park.