Chef Beejhy Barhany

Beejhy Barhany is a cultural and community icon, entrepreneur, and chef. Born in Ethiopia, raised in Israel, and now living in Harlem, she is a passionate advocate for the Jewish community. In 2003, she founded the BINA Cultural Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to celebrating and empowering Ethiopian Jews through arts, education, and cultural programming. Her work with BINA started with cultural showcases in the NYC area, encouraging filmmakers and artists to exhibit their works and promote the cultural heritage of Ethiopian Jews. Food quickly became a cultural staple at these showcases.

The response inspired Beejhy to enter the food business, and in 2014 she opened Tsion Café in Harlem’s historic Sugar Hill neighborhood, where she serves a fusion of Ethiopian, Israeli, and New York inspired flavors. The restaurant has been featured in major outlets including the New York Times, the New Yorker, and the Today Show.

Beyond her work as a chef and restaurateur, she is a frequent speaker and cooking teacher at Jewish and multicultural events. In April 2025, she published her debut cookbook, Gursha: Timeless Recipes for Modern Kitchens, which includes more than 100 recipes alongside personal narratives that celebrate Ethiopian Jewish culture. She currently lives in Harlem with her husband and two children, continuing to build bridges across communities through food, storytelling, and activism.