Carolina Gelen Crafts the Most Joyful and Cookable Recipes on Instagram

Stuck on what to cook for dinner? Carolina Gelen has you covered. The chef, recipe developer, and social media star has captivated food lovers and gained international fame with her creative yet approachable cooking. Her warmth and charisma coupled with her talent for creating easy and delicious recipes mean her cooking reels are some of the best on the internet right now.

Originally from Transylvania, Romania, Gelen learned to cook using simple, resourceful methods inspired by her childhood. In 2021, Carolina moved to the United States, where she combined her culinary skills with her knack for storytelling, originally filming her reels under an umbrella on her tiny balcony.

Gelen’s first cookbook, Pass the Plate, was released in October 2024. The book celebrates comfort food with 100 recipes designed to bring big flavors to everyday meals without overwhelming effort. It highlights influences from her Romanian roots while embracing global cuisines, offering everything from hearty stews to indulgent desserts.

Carolina’s focus on making cooking fun and accessible has endeared her to home cooks of all skill levels​. Check out more of her mouthwatering recipes below.