Behind the Brand: EN-NOBLE Culinary Experiences

There may be no better way to learn about cultures around the world than through the universal language of food. And there’s no easier way to do it than by exploring global flavors right here in New England—no suitcase required. That’s the idea behind EN-NOBLE Culinary Experiences, based in Portland, Maine. Here, founder and CEO Topaz Smith shares how her company helps people make cultural connections that are both deeply meaningful and downright delicious.

What inspired you to launch EN-NOBLE Culinary Experiences?

I’ve always been a foodie—deeply curious about new flavors and passionate about learning different cultures through their cuisines and seasonings.

My background in hospitality also played a big role. I studied the field in college and began my professional journey in Positano, a fishing village on the Amalfi Coast, working at a five-star hotel with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. One experience that stuck with me was watching the chef take guests to the local market to meet fishermen, select their fish for dinner, and return raving about the connection they’d made with their food. That interaction—where environment, culture, and business intersect—really opened my eyes to the deeper value of culinary storytelling and place-based dining.

EN-NOBLE also grew out of my love for discovering subcultures within cities. Growing up in New York City and attending a multicultural middle and high school, I was constantly immersed in a world beyond the dominant culture. One day I’d be making crêpes with my French teacher; the next I was with my Portuguese teacher tasting feijoada or quince jam on Portuguese bread (topped with sharp cheddar, of course). My classmates were from Seoul, South Korea, and all over the globe. We studied different languages and cultures and even traveled to countries like South Africa, Portugal, Spain, and the U.K., to name a few. Outside of school, I volunteered in a community kitchen in a predominantly Jamaican neighborhood, and at home, my father—who once worked as a chef—frequently pulled me into the kitchen. Food was always the common thread in all these spaces.

What influenced your decision to base the company in Maine?

After the pandemic, I moved from NYC to Portland for a job opportunity to help launch and manage a startup program. During my first visit, after an in-person interview, I ate at a local African restaurant and was immediately struck by the diversity of the city’s food scene. I noticed an array of ethnic restaurants and specialty shops offering ingredients from all over the world. The quality of the food and the vibrant international presence made a lasting impression.

Soon after, I started testing EN-NOBLE’s concept by hosting curated tours, tastings, and cultural experiences. The response was overwhelming—people were eager to connect with cultures they hadn’t had access to before. That curiosity, paired with the diversity and openness I found in Portland, made it the perfect home for EN-NOBLE.

What sets EN-NOBLE apart from other food tours and culinary classes?

EN-NOBLE gives a platform to communities and voices that are often overlooked in the broader cultural narratives of cities and countries. It’s not just about food—it’s about uncovering the stories, people, and traditions that rarely make it into guidebooks or mainstream experiences.

For example, in NYC, I created a “Peru in NYC” tour where I partnered with an Afro-Peruvian artist who shared the cultural history of his people through music, dance, and food—highlighting the cajón and zapateo to show a side of Peruvian culture that goes far beyond Machu Picchu. It’s about changing the narrative and expanding the lens through which people understand a place.

In Maine, the need for this kind of intentional cultural connection is especially clear. While the city of Portland is surprisingly diverse, communities can feel siloed simply due to geography or social structures. EN-NOBLE breaks through that by creating meaningful, hands-on experiences—like learning how to cook like a Cambodian chef or stepping into the kitchen with an Angolan cook. These are opportunities most people would never encounter on their own, especially if they’re not from that culture.

EN-NOBLE is about encouraging people to step outside their comfort zones, to connect with others in authentic ways, and to gain new perspectives—through food, storytelling, and shared experiences. It’s also about restoring a sense of dignity and visibility to people who may not often get the chance to share their cultural heritage in such a celebrated and meaningful way.

What can participants expect from the programs and classes you offer?

At EN-NOBLE, participants can expect more than just a meal—they’re stepping into an immersive cultural journey. Every experience is thoughtfully curated to delight the senses and deepen understanding. Whether it’s a cooking demo, tasting tour, or storytelling dinner, guests leave not only having eaten something delicious, but also having gained a richer perspective on the culture behind the cuisine.

Each program features a “Cultural Ambassador”—a passionate local from the featured culture—who shares personal stories, traditions, and cooking techniques passed down through generations. This direct connection allows guests to go beyond the plate and into the heart of a community, learning about its heritage through meaningful conversation and authentic flavors.

You’ll cook (or taste) alongside others who are just as curious, open-minded, and eager to explore. You’ll learn how to recreate the dishes at home—with access to ingredients, recipes, and the context that brings it all to life. It’s food, yes—but it’s also music, memory, identity, and connection.

Most importantly, we aim to create a space where cultures are celebrated, and everyone feels welcome to ask questions, share, and engage.

Is there one culinary experience you’ve offered, that stands out as especially memorable?

For an “Angolan Culinary Journey” I hosted in Portland, we started the day at a local African market, where participants were guided through selecting traditional ingredients—many of which were completely new to them. Then we headed to cook with an Angolan culinary storyteller, who not only shared her recipes but the cultural significance behind each dish.

What made it so memorable was the transformation that took place. One guest shared that they had driven past the market for 20 years but had never gone inside because they simply didn’t know how to navigate it. This experience gave them not only the confidence to explore but also a meaningful connection to the community behind the storefront.

There were guests who had never tasted fufu before—and by the end of the meal, their plates were clean. That’s the kind of moment I love: seeing people step out of their comfort zones, try something new, and connect with someone they may have never had the chance to meet otherwise.

It was a beautiful reminder of why I created EN-NOBLE—to break down barriers, expand access, support small businesses (with their enthusiastic consent), and create spaces where cultural exchange feels natural, joyful, and nourishing in every sense of the word.

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