Adejoké Bakare is a Nigerian-born British chef renowned for her pioneering role in bringing West African cuisine to London’s fine dining scene. In February 2024, she made history by becoming the first Black woman in the United Kingdom to be awarded a Michelin star, a significant milestone in the culinary world. Hindustan Times+4The Guardian+4Great British Chefs+4Hindustan Times+8Wikipedia+8The Guardian+8
About Chishuru
Chishuru, meaning “the silence that descends on the table when food arrives” in Hausa, is a modern West African restaurant founded by Bakare. The restaurant began as a three-month pop-up in Brixton Village in 2020 after Bakare won the Brixton Kitchen competition. It has since become a permanent establishment in Fitzrovia, London. Chishuru offers a set menu that showcases dishes like sinasir (fermented rice cake), moi moi (steamed bean cake), and ekoki (corn cake), reflecting Bakare’s diverse Nigerian heritage. Business Insider+7The Guardian+7schoolfoodmatters.org+7Reporter Gourmet+11Wikipedia+11The Guardian+11Wikipedia+7The Guardian+7The Guardian+7
Culinary Journey
Born and raised in Kaduna, Nigeria, Bakare was exposed to a rich tapestry of culinary traditions from her Yoruba mother and Igbo father. Her early culinary experiences included running a fish-and-chips cart during her university years. After moving to the UK in 1999 to study microbiology, she worked in various fields, including property management and health and safety, while nurturing her passion for cooking. In 2017, she began hosting supper clubs, which led to her winning the Brixton Kitchen competition in 2019, propelling her into the professional culinary world. Zikoko!+4Reporter Gourmet+4Reporter Gourmet+4The Guardian+3kaleidoscopenigeria.blogspot.com+3Zikoko!+3Business Insider+6TheAfricanDream+6SHE WINS SOCIETY+6Business Insider+4Great British Chefs+4Wikipedia+4
Recognition and Awards
- Michelin Star (2024): Awarded to Chishuru, making Bakare the first Black woman in the UK to receive this honor. kaleidoscopenigeria.blogspot.com+7Wikipedia+7Chishuru+7
- Chef of the Year (2024): Named by Time Out’s National Restaurant Awards. Reporter Gourmet+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5
- Woman of the Year (2024): Recognized by Code Hospitality. Chishuru
- 100 Most Influential Women (2024): Listed by the Financial Times. Instagram+13The Guardian+13Chishuru+13
Philosophy and Impact
Bakare’s culinary philosophy emphasizes warmth, hospitality, and the communal joy of sharing meals. She aims to challenge the traditional perceptions of fine dining by creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at Chishuru. Her success has been instrumental in elevating the profile of West African cuisine in London’s gastronomic landscape, inspiring a broader appreciation for its rich flavors and cultural significance. Great British Chefs+4MICHELIN Guide+4schoolfoodmatters.org+4The Guardian+4The Guardian+4Reporter Gourmet+4
Adejoké Bakare’s journey from a self-taught chef to a Michelin-starred restaurateur underscores the transformative power of passion, resilience, and cultural pride in the culinary arts.MICHELIN Guide+1Reporter Gourmet+1