Guest chef Ayo Adeyemi: blending West African flavours and a modern style
Ayo Adeyemi’s style is a blend of tradition and innovation. He creates dishes that tell the story of his Nigerian roots and the global influences that have shaped his culinary journey.
Join Chef Ayo Adeyemi as he is sharing 30 recipes full of West African flavour. Dive into a world where traditional African dishes meets modern cooking and see how Ayo's upbringing and experiences shape his unique cooking style.
“Gastronomixs is a great mind-mapping platform which allows chefs the opportunity to gather information and resources from chefs around the world, to learn, be inspired and more importantly be creative!"
Ayo Adeyemi
West African flavours, global vision
Ayo's profound love for food is deeply anchored in culture and family. Born in the UK with Nigerian heritage, he was raised on West African staples like black-eyed bean cake moin moin, egusi stew, and jollof rice. These dishes resemble the cultural importance of food-sharing in West Africa, where sharing home cooked meals is a fundamental act of hospitality. From an early age, Ayo developed a passion for cooking, drawing inspiration from his mother.
By the age of 16, Ayo had his mind made up, so his journey began at culinary school. All while he held onto his vision of celebrating African cuisine and taking it around the world.
This vision is at the root of chef Adeyemi’s cooking style today. Merging tradition with his own vision, aiming to elevate and celebrate African cuisine. He possesses both a respect for the time-honored West African dishes and an ambition to innovate and share them with the world. Which is greatly shown in the 30 recipes that he is sharing on Gastronomixs. They are all packed with flavour and most components are rich in umami and spice. Using straightforward techniques that deliver mind blowing results.
Ayo’s culinary journey
Sharing this vision with the world has been Ayo’s main goal through his entire career. With experience in esteemed restaurants such as Taj Campton Place in San Francisco, The Hind’s Head and The Fat Duck in Bray, and Tippling Club in Singapore, Adeyemi's culinary journey is as diverse as it is impressive. This wealth of experience equipped him with the skills required to lead his own kitchen. That opportunity arose in 2022 when Ayo was approached by Aji Akokomi, founder of Akoko, a West African tasting menu restaurant in Fitzrovia, London.
Restaurant Akoko: honouring tradition while exploring culinary creativity
As the head chef at Akoko, Ayo creates an experience of West African gastronomy, with a spotlight on the flavours and ingredients of Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Gambia.
The menu at Akoko is built on three pillars: fire, spice, and umami. While the dishes lean towards simplicity, often highlighting just a few key ingredients, there's a deliberate blend of fresh British seasonal products with African spices. This blend creates a dining experience that's both rooted in culture and outstanding in flavour.
Stepping into Akoko, you're welcomed by a creative and stylish atmosphere. The interior at Akoko is inspired by West Africa’s natural beauty, with its terracotta walls and contemporary African art. The sleek, minimalist decor, dominated by shades of orange, is complemented by an open kitchen that takes the centre stage. It's the perfect setting for a top-notch, yet relaxed, culinary experience.
