Nigerian cuisines are brimming with flavour and creativity, and many cooking shows offer the perfect platforms for talented chefs and food critics to showcase their skills.
From competitive to specialised culinary programmes, here are six Nigerian chefs and critics who could make a big splash on any cooking show:
Chef Fregz (Gbubemi Fregene)
There is no doubt that Chef Fregz (Gbubemi Fregene) is good with his innovative approach to Nigerian cuisines, and his passion for mixing traditional dishes with modern techniques would make him an excellent judge on shows like MasterChef South Africa and Ultimate Cook-Off on DStv.
His flair for high-end dishes would also make him a great addition to Ultimate Cook-Off, where he can bring his expertise in Nigerian flavours and presentation to a wider audience.
Chef Imoteda
Chef Imoteda would be an excellent fit for Food Network (DStv channel 175), where her expertise in creating both traditional and fusion dishes would engage viewers across the continent.
Whether as a guest chef, presenter or host, Imoteda would bring a fresh perspective to cooking shows on the network, focusing on how to incorporate Nigerian ingredients into international recipes, while introducing African flavours to global audiences.
Sisi Yemmie
As someone who regularly showcases street-style dishes on her YouTube channel – from boli and groundnut to suya tacos – Sisi Yemmie would be an amazing guest or judge on any food show on DStv.
Yemmie’s deep connection with everyday Nigerian food and her ability to celebrate street food culture in a fun, family-friendly way would resonate with viewers across the country.
Opeyemi Famakin
Opeyemi Famakin’s appreciation for Nigeria’s rich street food culture positions him perfectly for a food critic role.
Known for its ability to showcase local food vendors and their unique take on Nigerian classics, any show would benefit from Opeyemi’s expertise in modernising street food.
In addition, he could explore the creativity behind street vendors’ recipes, offer insightful commentary, and even collaborate with food vendors to elevate their dishes, making the show both entertaining and humorous.
Dakore Akande
As an actress and chef, Dakore Akande has the perfect blend of star power and culinary talent to host her own show.
Dakore’s Kitchen would showcase her ability to create delicious Nigerian meals, while Cook It Up with Dakore could focus on bringing together Nigerian cooking with a touch of glamour.
Dakore would be an excellent role model for aspiring chefs, providing inspiration and practical tips in the kitchen.
Beverly Naya
Beverly Naya’s focus on wellness and sustainable living would make Healthy Bites with Beverly a great platform for her to share her knowledge of preparing healthy Nigerian meals.
She could also explore nutritious ingredients like plant-based foods and local super foods, offering delicious, health-conscious meals. Beverly could have her own show called Beverly’s Tasty Treats on platforms like DStv; she could also showcase how to create traditional Nigerian treats with a healthy twist.
In conclusion, whether they’re competing, judging or sharing their culinary expertise, these talented chefs and food critics would add unique Nigerian flavours to many cooking shows.
