Meet Pati Jinich’s Children: Sami Jinich, Alan Jinich and Juju Jinich

Pati Jinich is a celebrated Mexican chef, television host, and author, best known for her James Beard Award-winning PBS series Pati’s Mexican Table, where she captivates audiences with her vibrant interpretations of Mexican cuisine.

Born Patricia Drijanski on March 30, 1972, in Mexico City, she comes from a rich cultural heritage. Of Mexican-Jewish descent, her grandparents were Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe who settled in Mexico, blending Ashkenazi traditions with Mexican flavors. Raised in a Jewish household, Pati grew up celebrating Shabbat dinners and High Holidays with unique dishes such as gefilte fish a la Veracruzana, a reflection of her family’s cultural fusion.

Her father, an architect-turned-restaurateur, and her mother, an art gallery owner, instilled in her a deep appreciation for food and the arts. As the youngest of four sisters—Alisa Drijanski, Karen Drijanski, and Sharon Drijanski, all of whom share culinary interests—Pati was immersed in a food-focused upbringing.

Initially charting an academic path, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México and a master’s degree in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University. Eventually, her passion for Mexican cuisine led her to shift careers and embrace the culinary world.

Pati has been married to Daniel Jinich, a successful businessman of Mexican-Jewish heritage, since 1996. The couple met on a blind date and wed in Mexico City. Born in the early 1970s, Daniel supports both his family and Pati’s culinary career while preserving their shared cultural traditions, from family taco nights to Jewish holiday celebrations.

Together, they have three sons: Alan (born June 24, 1999), Samuel “Sami” (born October 17, 2001), and Julian “Juju” (born May 12, 2006).

Residing in Chevy Chase, Maryland, the Jinich family often appears in Pati’s shows and social media, showcasing their close-knit bond and the vibrant intersection of Mexican and Jewish cultures that define their household.

Alan Jinich

Alan Jinich, born on June 24, 1999, is the eldest son of Pati Jinich and an emerging talent in both the culinary and media worlds. Now 25, Alan grew up deeply immersed in his mother’s vibrant culinary landscape, frequently assisting in the kitchen and appearing alongside her on Pati’s Mexican Table.

His love of food blossomed early, and his adventurous palate was reflected in his creative experiments. He often paired diverse ingredients like tofu and tahini—a fusion his mother proudly highlighted in a 2020 Washington Post feature.

While Alan shares his mother’s culinary curiosity, he has also carved his own path as a storyteller and journalist. A 2017 graduate of Georgetown Day School, he went on to study Neuroscience and English at the University of Pennsylvania. His talents extend to photography and writing; he earned a Gold Medal in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards as a high school student.

In 2021, Alan took a leave from Penn to co-create the Generation Pandemic Project, an oral history initiative documenting young adults’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project, recognized by The Washington Post and NPR, garnered him the prestigious 2022 Nora Magid Mentorship Prize.

He also contributed as a photographer for Pati’s PBS docuseries La Frontera, seamlessly blending his passion for storytelling with his family’s cultural heritage.

Sami Jinich

Samuel “Sami” Jinich, born on October 17, 2001, is the middle child of the Jinich family and is now 23 years old. Known for his quiet and introspective nature, Sami has blossomed from a once-selective eater into a skilled home cook, confidently preparing dishes ranging from marinades and pancakes to complex desserts.

His mother, Pati Jinich, has often shared touching anecdotes about his culinary journey—recalling in The Washington Post how he expanded his palate beyond simple staples like bread, noodles, and chocolate milk to embrace a wide array of flavors and techniques. His steady determination and understated creativity have made him a distinctive presence in the family.

Affectionately nicknamed “Samito” by Pati, Sami marked a significant milestone with his bar mitzvah in 2019, a proud moment his mother shared on Instagram, which included glimpses of him learning treasured family recipes from his grandmother.

Now in college, Sami continues exploring his passions, frequently joining Pati in the kitchen and appearing on Pati’s Mexican Table. A special episode titled “Sami’s Big Day” highlighted his favorite meals and celebrated his close bond with his mother.

Though more reserved than his brothers, Sami’s thoughtful contributions to cherished family traditions—like taco nights in San Miguel de Allende—demonstrate his growing confidence and deep connection to his Mexican-Jewish roots.

Juju Jinich

Julian “Juju” Jinich, born on May 12, 2006, is the youngest of the Jinich family at 18 years old and is known for his lively, charismatic spirit. Affectionately called “Juju” by his parents, he proudly embraces his title as a chocoholic with a special talent for baking indulgent desserts.

Pati often spotlights Juju’s sweet tooth, from crafting dulce de leche cheesecakes to preparing rich, chocolate-filled birthday treats. His enthusiasm shone in episodes of Pati’s Mexican Table, such as Season 3, where he eagerly assisted in dessert-making.

His boundless energy, sharp wit, and playful sense of humor—including good-naturedly teasing Pati’s accent—bring lighthearted charm to their shared screen time.

Having recently graduated high school, Juju has revealed a strong knack for technology, often impressing his family with digital fluency. His creative interests extend into music, film, and photography, as featured in a 2024 article from TheCityCeleb. His appearances on Pati’s Mexican Table frequently capture his curiosity about Mexican heritage as he engages in cooking challenges and explores cultural traditions alongside his mother.

Whether whipping up baked goods or embarking on family adventures—like their New Year’s trip to Argentina in 2024—Juju’s vibrant presence continues to infuse the Jinich family story with warmth, humor, and an adventurous spirit.