The rise of Nigerian food reflects the UK’s growing Nigerian community. It’s been boosted by viral TikTok trends of people trying dishes. Interest has also been heightened by some high-profile fans.
Hugh Jackman, the Australian movie star, was spotted at Nigerian chain restaurant Enish in London’s Oxford Street last year, after his children recommended it. Enish now has branches across the world, from Dubai to Lewisham.
Beyonce’s charity, the Beygood Foundation, donated £8,000, which helped siblings Emeka and Iffy Frederick continue sharing Nigerian cuisine at their Chuku’s restaurant in north London.
It helped a restaurant that had opened just before the Covid pandemic to survive through the “absolute nightmare” of lockdown.
Chuku’s, which claims to be the world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant, describes its ethos as sharing the best of Nigerian culture with feel-good vibes.
Michelin star chef, Adejoké (Joké) Bakare, made gastronomic history earlier this year by becoming the UK’s first black female chef to win a Michelin star and only the second in the world.
Joké opened Chishuru in Brixton in September 2020 as a three-month pop-up, after winning the Brixton Village competition in south London. Following a rave review from food critic, Jay Rayner, the pop-up became permanent.
Joké then operated pop-ups at a series of central London venues, before moving Chishuru to its permanent new home in London’s West End in September 2023.
She hopes this recognition means Michelin will “start looking at the continent”.
