Eric Adjepong

Eric Adjepong is an American chef, television personality, and author, of Ghanaian heritage. He was a finalist on the television series Top Chef: Kentucky season 16. He has appeared on multiple Food Network television shows, including as host of Alex vs. America and Wildcard Kitchen.

Early life and education

Eric Adjepong was born and raised in the Bronx neighborhood in New York City and is of Ghanaian descent. He was the first member of his family to be born outside of Ghana, his parents immigrated to the United States in the 1980s.

He has a degree in culinary arts and nutrition from Johnson & Wales University, and a master’s of public health degree in international public health nutrition from the University of Westminster.

Adjepong married Janell Mack in 2016, and together they have a daughter. The couple separated in October 2021, and filed for divorce a few months after in January 2022.

Career

Adjepong's culinary interest are in the American South, West African, Caribbean, and South American cuisines. He opened Elmina, a restaurant serving Ghanaian food, in Washington, DC in 2025. He co-owns with his ex-wife Janell, "Pinch and Plate" in Washington, D.C., a catering company which also hosts pop-up meals.

After becoming a finalist on season 16 of Top Chef: Kentucky, Adjepong competed on season 17 of Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. and several other Food Network shows, like Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions. however it was greatly delayed.

Since January 2022, Adjepong is the host of Alex vs. America, a Food Network show on its fifth season starring chef Alex Guarnaschelli competing against a series of guest chefs with a focus on a single culinary genre.

In March 2025, Adjepong released his cookbook, Ghana to the World: Recipes and Stories That Look Forward While Honoring the Past, co-authored with food writer Korsha Wilson.

Publications