Short Introduction: Discover Adejoké Bakare, a Nigerian chef whose extraordinary journey from passionate home cook to Michelin-starred chef has revolutionized the London culinary scene with her restaurant, Chishuru. Her cuisine merges the rich traditions of West Africa with a modern interpretation that captures the essence of her multicultural roots.
Biography
Originally from Nigeria, Adejoké Bakare began her culinary journey in Kaduna, growing up amidst the diverse gastronomic traditions of her Yoruba mother and Igbo father. This familial environment allowed her to savor a broad range of culinary influences, including dodo ikire, a traditional street food from Eastern Nigeria prepared by her grandmother.
After moving to the United Kingdom to study microbiology, Bakare embarked on a career in health and safety, and later in a real estate company in London. However, her passion for cooking never waned. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she won the Brixton Kitchen competition, which enabled her to open the first iteration of Chishuru. Since then, her unique approach to West African cuisine has earned her numerous accolades.
Her culinary style at Chishuru pays homage to West Africa rather than Nigeria specifically, emphasizing regional similarities rather than differences. Bakare uses traditional ingredients in innovative ways, as evidenced by her interpretation of peanut sauce, a popular dish across West Africa, which she adapts by subtly varying the spices to evoke familiar flavors with a personal twist.
Chishuru's fame quickly grew thanks to rave reviews, including from renowned critic Jay Rayner, and a spot among the top 100 restaurants in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards. Despite her lack of formal experience in restaurant management prior, Bakare has impressed both critics and the public, earning a Michelin star in 2024 for her innovative work at Chishuru.
Adejoké Bakare is more than a chef; she is a storyteller who uses food to explore and celebrate the diversity of West African cuisine. Her commitment to excellence and authenticity has made Chishuru not just a successful restaurant but also a place of cultural discovery that continues to inspire and enchant.
