Chef Amina Wins Prestigious Culinary Award at Nairobi Food Festival

Nairobi, Kenya — September 15, 2023 — The culinary world turned its eyes to Nairobi as Chef Amina Ndungu, the creative force behind Dondo, claimed the prestigious “Chef of the Year” title at the 2023 Nairobi Food Festival. Held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, this annual celebration of culinary excellence is a cornerstone of East African gastronomy. This year’s theme, “Flavors of Africa,” challenged chefs to showcase the continent’s rich heritage, and Chef Amina rose to the occasion with a breathtaking reinterpretation of Nyama Choma, earning her thunderous applause and the night’s highest honor.

The Nairobi Food Festival has grown significantly since its inception a decade ago, evolving from a modest local event into a renowned showcase of African culinary talent. With over 50 chefs competing this year, the festival drew thousands of attendees, including food critics, industry leaders, and passionate food lovers. The focus on sustainability and local ingredients resonated deeply with Chef Amina’s philosophy at Dondo, where every dish tells a story of Kenya’s land and people. “This event is a celebration of who we are,” Amina said during the opening ceremony. “It’s about honoring our roots while pushing boundaries.”

Chef Amina’s path to this victory is a testament to her dedication and love for African cuisine. Born in a rural village near Eldoret, she grew up surrounded by the aromas of her grandmother’s kitchen, where she learned to grind maize, simmer stews, and season dishes with spices plucked from the garden. After honing her skills at culinary schools in Paris and Cape Town, she returned to Kenya in 2015 to open Dondo, a restaurant that fuses tradition with innovation. “I wanted to show the world that African food isn’t just sustenance — it’s art,” she explained. Her journey from a small-town cook to an award-winning chef has inspired countless aspiring cooks across the region.

The competition itself was a grueling test of skill and creativity. Chefs were required to present a three-course meal that embodied the “Flavors of Africa” theme. Amina’s menu was a love letter to Kenya’s culinary heritage, beginning with an appetizer of Ugali Croquettes filled with spiced Sukuma Wiki, crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor within. Her main course, a reimagined Nyama Choma, featured succulent grilled lamb infused with Maasai herbs, paired with a vibrant tamarind reduction that danced on the palate. For dessert, she served a Hibiscus Panna Cotta with candied ginger, marrying delicate floral notes with a spicy kick. Each dish was a masterful blend of tradition and modernity.

The judging panel, comprising five esteemed culinary experts, evaluated the entries based on taste, presentation, creativity, and thematic alignment. Amina’s Nyama Choma stole the show, presented on a rustic wooden board with charred greens and a sauce that flowed like a river across the plate. “This isn’t just food — it’s a journey,” remarked Judge Chef Kwame Onwuachi. “The flavors transported me to the plains of Kenya, yet the execution was world-class.” After hours of deliberation, the judges unanimously agreed that Amina’s dishes stood above the rest, earning her the top prize.

The award ceremony was electric. As the host called out “Chef Amina Ndungu,” the room erupted in cheers. Amina, dressed in a vibrant kitenge gown, ascended the stage with a mix of pride and humility. “This award belongs to my grandmother, who taught me everything I know about flavor and love,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “And to my incredible team at Dondo — you’re the heartbeat of this victory.” The audience rose to their feet, and the moment was captured in countless photos and videos that soon flooded social media.

The reaction to Amina’s win was swift and widespread. On Twitter and Instagram, #ChefAmina trended for days, with fans and fellow chefs alike singing her praises. “She’s a legend in the making,” tweeted Chef Otieno of Spice House. “This is what happens when talent meets passion.” Dondo’s loyal customers echoed the sentiment, with one writing on Facebook, “I’ve tasted her Nyama Choma, and now I know why she won. It’s unforgettable.” The buzz extended beyond Nairobi, with international food blogs hailing Amina as a rising star in global cuisine.

For Dondo, the award is a game-changer. The restaurant, already a beloved fixture in Nairobi’s dining scene, now stands poised for greater recognition. Amina plans to leverage the win by hosting pop-up events across East Africa, bringing her award-winning dishes to new audiences. “This is an opportunity to share our food with the world,” she said. Inside Dondo, the team is experimenting with new dishes inspired by the festival, ensuring that the creativity sparked by the competition lives on. The award also positions Dondo as a destination for food tourists, promising a boost to business and local pride.

Looking ahead, Chef Amina remains focused on her mission: to elevate African cuisine to its rightful place on the global stage. “We have so much to offer — flavors, stories, traditions,” she said in a post-ceremony interview. “This award is a milestone, not a finish line.” With her talent, determination, and the support of her community, Amina is well on her way to making that vision a reality. For now, she’s basking in the joy of the moment, grateful to everyone who helped her reach this peak — and eager to keep climbing.