Brooklyn Bugs was founded in 2017 by Chef Yoon with the mission to raise appreciation and awareness for edible insects, and share the tremendous potential and innovation of insect agriculture and their impact on global food systems through delicious, educational, creative, thoughtful, and interdisciplinary programming. 

Brooklyn Bugs receives grants and funding from leading universities, museums, and institutions globally with their outreach and advocacy reaching millions of households through regular press and television appearances.  

Visit the Events page for a list of our previous events, and Programming page for more information.

Chef Joseph Yoon

Chef Joseph Yoon is a pioneering member of The Explorers Club and Chef Advocate for the UN’s IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), leads global change as the founder of Brooklyn Bugs. With over 500 days of touring across six continents, he champions the immense potential of insect agriculture, helping to reshape its significance for humanity. 

Joseph’s fervor extends beyond culinary innovation; he strives to bridge cultures, connecting with local and indigenous groups while honoring and amplifying the wisdom and traditions of these communities. Regularly featured in major press around the world, he reimagines the perceptions of edible insects, battling shame cast by globalization and ensuring equitable representation for traditions long overshadowed in the culinary landscape. His advocacy echoes globally, resonating with the UN’s SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in reshaping our approach to sustainable food systems.

Grants, Residencies, Seminars, Presentations

Scroll through pics of our history here.

2025:  Bronx Arts Ensemble, West Point Ladies Reading Club 

2024:  AFHVS Conference, Augustana College, Bronx Game Dinner, Central Atlantic States Association of Food and Drug Officials, Cornell University, Excellence in Insect Science Symposium, Explorers Club, Food Nutrition Innovation Council, Google Food Lab, Insects to Feed the World - Singapore, Korea University, Korean Community Services, Michigan State University, MSU Museum, San Diego State University, Syracuse University, Tufts University, Wageningen University and Research

2023:  Academia Cotopaxi, American Culinary Federation, Asian Food and Feed Insect Association, Cayuga Community College Culinary Arts, Colgate University, Cornell University, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland, Entomological Society of Queensland, Explorers Club, Food and Drug Administration, Google Food Lab,  Kasetsart University, NYC Department of Education, Sunshine Coast Bioblitz, SXSW Sydney, Tufts University, Queensland Museum, University of Adelaide, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Wells College

2022:  Atlas Obscura, Center for Environmental Sustainability through Insect Farming, Colombia University, COP27, Desert Daze Festival, Ecole Hoteliere Fierbourg, Future of Food at SXSW, Harvard University, Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Insects to Feed the World - Quebec City, NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, New York Public Library, SXSW, University of Guelph, University of Laval, 4-H National Youth Summit for Agri-Science

2021:  American Museum of Natural History, Audubon Society, Biolbas at NYU Langone, Montana State University, New View Camden, Staten Island Museum, University of California Riverside, University of Wisconsin - Lacrosse, Wesleyan University 

2020:  American Museum of Natural History, Food and Drug Administration, NY Entomological Society, NYC Audubon Society

2019:  American Museum of Natural History, Culinary Institute of America, Discovery, Food and Film Festival, Montana State University, Museum of Fine Art St. Petersburg, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, New York Entomological Society, New York Hall of Science, Purdue University, San Diego State University, Tufts University, University of Wisconsin - Madison

2018:  Air BnB HQ, American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Bugs Bugsgiving, Culinary Institute of America, Eating Insects Athens, Food and Finance High School, Food Loves Tech, Green Fest, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, New York Entomological Society, New York Hall of Science, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Times Square, St. Joseph’s Univeristy

2017:  American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Bugs Festival, Future Food Expo, New York Entomological Society, Taste Talks NYC