Her big dream is to feed the likes of John Boyega and Anthony Joshua, “proud British-Nigerians who are making waves internationally”, but for now she’s happy to feed the world.
Since the launch of her business, Tokunbo’s Kitchen, just two-years-ago Tokunbo Koiki, from Tottenham, has fed Nigerian cuisine to over 5,000 people.
“Nigerian food is flavourful, wholesome and very delicious. Many Nigerian food dishes are vegan and nutritious as we use a lot of super grains and organic. Many popular dishes, such as Jollof Rice, are bold, strong and often feature a spicy kick.
“I started cooking at 12-years-old, I recall my mum forcing me into the kitchen by stating I was already four-years-late as she started cooking for her family at just eight-years-old! My love of cooking for others grew in my late twenties when I discovered it made my friends and family very happy.”
It began in September 2015, initially launching as Tee’s Food Corner, a street food pop up at the Africa Utopia festival at the Southbank Centre in London. The chef then started using the name Tokunbo’s Kitchen in April 2016 when the business grew.
“Tokunbo’s Kitchen is a space and opportunity for people to experience and enjoy the type of delicious home cooked Nigerian food I grew up eating,” she explains. “I started Tokunbo’s Kitchen here in London as this is a city that has shaped me into the proud British-Nigerian woman I am. My overall goal is to have Nigerian cuisine as a favourite choice on the London landscape.”
Tokunbo’s hard work has landed her an invitation to participate at the New York African Restaurant week. This three-week long culinary event is a celebration of African cuisine.
Details: tokunboskitchen.com
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