There’s something familiar and comforting about a plate of jollof rice or the smoky flavour of suya. However, there’s nothing quite as delightful as Nigerian chefs putting a spin on traditional dishes.
For many Nigerians, food is memory — it’s Sunday rice with family, late-night buka runs, and the unmistakable heat of pepper soup. However, a new generation of Nigerian chefs is asking a bold question: What else can our food be?
From kitchens to curated dining rooms, these chefs are reimagining what Nigerian cuisine looks, tastes, and feels like. They’re not abandoning tradition — they’re building and expanding on it. With bold creativity, thoughtful presentation, and a deep respect for their roots, these chefs are reshaping local food experiences and putting Nigerian cuisine on the global map in a new light.
Leading this movement are female chefs, driven by their passion for elevating culinary experiences. Meet them:
Chef Moyo
Imagine sitting down to a multi-course meal that tells the story of Nigerian culture and cuisine in a way you’ve never heard — that’s what Chef Moyo offers. She doesn’t just serve food; she invites you to rediscover culture, one course at a time.
With a Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts and accolades, including Mastercard’s The Kitchen Nigeria winner and recognition as one of Africa’s Top Chefs, she brings depth and distinction to every plate.
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Through ATIJE, her private dining experience, she curates immersive, multi-course menus that explore the richness of Nigerian and West African cuisine — guided by seasonality, storytelling, and a commitment to celebrating underutilised ingredients.
Chef Amaka
Chef Amaka is the founder of Dish L’Afrique, a food delivery service where she offers fresh creativity and a deep love for African cuisines. Known for her passion for food and her drive to uplift the culinary industry in Nigeria, she also serves as the President of the Culinary Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAPA).
But what truly sets Chef Amaka’s work apart is its deeply personal touch. As a PCOS warrior, she’s deeply mindful of the connection between food and wellness.
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She’s made it her mission to reinvent beloved African dishes in ways that are both flavourful and healthy. She does this using local ingredients to create meals that feel good and do good. For her, it’s not just about great taste — it’s about balance, health, and honouring culture in every bite.
Chef Imoteda
Chef Imoteda is taking Nigerian street food to new heights with an innovative approach that blends tradition with global flair. Trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, she brings a refined culinary foundation to her bold take on local flavours. She owns and currently runs Fired & Iced, a restaurant in Lagos, Nigeria, and Heels In The Kitchen, where she provides private dining experiences.
She’s passionate about showcasing the richness of Nigerian cuisine to a wider audience — whether through television, food tours, or unique dining experiences. Her signature project, The Nigerian Fusion Food Tour, is a vibrant celebration of Nigerian flavours. While it has morphed into “Oremidinners,” the idea hasn’t changed. Through pop-up restaurants and hands-on cooking classes across the world, she introduces audiences to the diversity of Nigerian food in a whole new way.
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Her trailblazing work has also earned her numerous accolades, including Best Street Food Vendor, Most Innovative Chef, and Food Blogger of the Year 2019. At the heart of it all, Chef Imoteda is driven by a love for her culture and a desire to see Nigerian cuisine appreciated globally.
Chef Lin
Chef Lin’s journey into the culinary world began in 2013, when she made the bold decision to leave behind a career in banking to follow her true passion — cooking. Eager to build a solid foundation, she enrolled in Reddish Chronicles Culinary School, where she developed her skills not only in cooking but also in food styling, photography, and presentation. Later, she became a Chef Instructor at the same school.
As her vision became clearer, she began building her brand, Splurgeon Foods, specialising in catering for private events — offering curated, high-quality dining experiences. Embracing Afro-fusion cuisine, Chef Lin began blending the flavours of her cultural heritage with modern culinary techniques, developing a vibrant and distinct style that quickly became her signature.
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These chefs are more than just cooks — they’re storytellers, innovators, and ambassadors of Nigerian culture. By experimenting with new flavours and ingredients, they’re making Nigerian food more exciting and accessible to a wider audience. Their work proves that traditional cuisine can honour its roots while embracing innovation. As they continue to lead the charge, we can’t wait to see what’s next on the menu.
