Charles Ajunwa
Both in-house and outside guests at the Lagos Continental Hotel were treated to some of Africa’s best culinary offerings during the four-day maiden Lagos residency of Chef Adejoké “Joké” Bakare, tagged ‘The Homecoming’.
Chef Bakare made history in February 2024 as the first Black female chef in the UK to be awarded a Michelin Star and the only Nigerian female chef to hold this distinction. Largely self-taught, her restaurant, Chishuru, named Best Restaurant in London by Time Out in 2022, is renowned globally for its modern interpretation of West African cuisine, drawing from Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa traditions.
The four-day residency, organised in partnership with ART X Lagos, marked Bakare’s first return to Nigeria in over two decades.
The ambience was breathtaking, as the restaurant was decorated with colourful Nigerian fabrics, artworks, and tables and chairs set for a sumptuous six-course tasting menu reimagined with Lagos-sourced produce. Outside the restaurant, there was a corner where guests took photographs. There was also a service bar in front of the restaurant where guests could relax.
Bakare, dressed in chef attire, interacted with food enthusiasts and international guests, promoting Nigerian culinary tourism on the global map.
The six-course menu served to guests included Ose-ji, Roast Yam and Oil, Moin Moin Elemii Meje, Masa, Fish Head Soup and Obe Dudu, which drew on the Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa influences that shaped her childhood, alongside the technique and perspective she has developed over more than 25 years in London.
Bakare, who was accompanied by some directors of Chishuru London, expressed excitement at the success of the four-day event.
“I love Lagos and its rich West African art, culture and creativity. Bringing Chishuru home during one of the city’s most exciting creative weeks was incredibly special. The residency brought together the food cultures I grew up with in West Africa and my culinary journey since moving to London, allowing me to create something inspired by Lagos, its ingredients and its people.
“I was truly overwhelmed by the incredible response, the sold-out dinners and the warmth with which Lagos embraced The Homecoming. It was deeply rewarding to share our food, connect with our guests and celebrate the richness and possibilities of African cuisine. It was an experience I will treasure,” Bakare said.
For Richard Mutanda, Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing, Continental Hotels Nigeria, ‘The Homecoming’ was a celebration of African culinary identity.
“We were immensely proud to have hosted Chef Adejoke Bakare and the internationally acclaimed Chishuru London at Lagos Continental. ‘The Homecoming’ represented more than an exceptional dining experience; it was a celebration of African culinary identity, creativity and global recognition. The overwhelming response and sold-out dinners reaffirmed Lagos’ appetite for world-class culinary experiences and reinforced our commitment to bringing extraordinary international hospitality and dining experiences to Nigeria. We were delighted with the success of the residency and deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making it such a memorable experience.”