Pastry Passion Meets Puerto Rican Flavors: A Q&A with Chef Nasha Fondeur

Be whisked away by Chef Nasha Fondeur's sweet culinary journey.

Indulge in the sweet world of Chef Nasha Fondeur, a celebrated Boricua pastry chef whose trajectory is as rich and flavorful as her creations. Born in San Juan and raised in Carolina, Chef Fondeur’s love for pastries was ignited as a child in her great-grandmother’s kitchen.

With years of training alongside world-renowned dessert masters and experience at prestigious establishments like the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in Puerto Rico and Hard Rock Café in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, she has perfected her craft. Now, as the corporate executive pastry chef at Condado Collection, she combines the Island's vibrant local ingredients —such as coconut, passion fruit, and mango— delicacies.

Get to know her passion, favorite dishes, and how Puerto Rico's culture influences her sweet artistry.

Chef Nasha Fondeur dessert dish. — Indulge in some of Puerto Rico's best desserts at the Condado Collection properties.

Exploring Culinary Paths: Share your journey of becoming a chef in Puerto Rico

What sparked your passion for cooking?

My passion for pastry began at a very young age with my great-grandmother, Thelma Vélez. She took care of me when I was little, and every time she cooked, she would bring me into the kitchen and have me help her prepare lunch. During Christmas, I would help her with the holiday parties she hosted for the entire family. I remember watching my great-grandfather peel coconuts to make tembleque and coquito.

Culinary Style and Philosophy

Can you explain your culinary philosophy?

My philosophy is that things should be done right or not at all, and they must be done with love and passion.

Influence of Puerto Rican Culture:

How do you strike a balance between traditional methods and innovative practices in your kitchen?

My pastry work is influenced by local flavors, while also modern creative and European pastry techniques. I enjoy using ingredients such as coconut, passion fruit, mango, pineapple, and guava.

Must-Try Dishes

What is one signature dish that every visitor should experience at your restaurant or through your culinary services?

One dish that is very personal to me, even though it’s not on the menu, is banana cake—a recipe I learned from my great-grandmother when I was very young. We offer it to our guests as a special treat, so they can remember us in the morning with a cup of coffee.

Dessert dish from the Condado Collection. — Boricua Chef Nasha Fondeur combines the Island's vibrant local ingredients with fine pastry techniques.

Puerto Rican Cuisine Essentials

From your perspective, which dish quintessentially represents Puerto Rican cuisine and why?

The dishes I think best represent Puerto Rican cuisine are mofongo, alcapurrias, arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), lechón (slow roasted pork), and a cold Medalla beer.

Visitor's First Bite

What dish would you recommend to someone new to Puerto Rican cuisine?

For someone visiting Puerto Rico for the first time, I recommend exploring the Island's rich culture, enjoying the traditional cuisine, and experiencing the beautiful beaches. Don’t miss out on local dishes like mofongo, alcapurrias, and arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and be sure to visit Old San Juan, El Yunque Rainforest, or one of the vibrant coastal towns, my favorite is Rincón.

First-Time Diner Tips

Do you have any advice for individuals dining in Puerto Rico for the first time?

When I travel, I always like to eat where the locals do, to truly experience what each country has to offer. My suggestion for travelers visiting Puerto Rico is to do exactly the same. Here in Puerto Rico, we have many local spots with delicious dishes and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.

Local Dining Favorites

Could you share a few of your favorite local eateries?

Some of my favorite local spots are Mario Pagán, La Alcapurria Quemá in La Placita de Santurce, Vianda, La Central, Lucia Patisserie, Orujo Taller de Gastronomía, GD Cakes, and Bacoa.

Guide to La Placita Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife

Dessert dish from Chef Natasha Fondeur. — Chef Nasha Fondeur's pastry creations are a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Hometown Pride

Which municipality in Puerto Rico do you hail from? What do you cherish most about your hometown?

I was born in San Juan on October 4, 1981, but I was raised in Carolina. One of the things I love most about my hometown is the fiestas patronales (town festival) and the Christmas celebrations.

Where should visitors go, or what activities should they partake in when visiting your town?

Places I love to visit in Carolina with kids is El Museo del Niño, and in San Juan, I like the Calle Cerra in Santurce.

Things to do in Carolina