Diaspora Kitchen Event 2025: Season II showcases innovative African cuisine, celebrates rich cultural heritage.

Organised by Diaspora Kitchen Association, DKA, the country’s premier culinary event, which has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape of Africa, brought together global chefs, local flavours, tourism establishments, training schools, restaurateurs, chefs, food enthusiasts, and cultural performers from across the globe. 

Placed under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, the event held under the theme: "African Culinary Art between Heritage and Modernity".

Speaking at the festival, the President of the Diaspora Kitchen Association, former Minister Ama Tutu Muna, said innovations in the second edition of the festival are threefold. 

“We changed the site, constructed an amphitheatre kitchen, and brought in international chefs to share their expertise," Ama Tutu said. 

Driven by their passion for promoting African cuisine, she said organisers preserved and overcame challenges that were encountered on the new site that was allocated by the mayor and administrative authorities. 

"We are just two years old, and this is our second edition. We are still learning, but we are passionate about promoting African cuisine and culture," Ama Tutu Muna said, hinting on plans already underway for the third edition to hold in 2027. 

Tourism ministry hail DKA

Ndioro à Mamoum, the Secretary General at the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, who represented Minister Bello Bouba Maigari, praised the Diaspora Kitchen Association for the laudable initiative, which he said showcases Cameroon’s rich and diverse gastronomic heritage. 

"Minister Bello Bouba Maigari attaches importance to this activity. When we travel, one of the first things we discover is the gastronomy. Similarly, the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure is here to attract tourists…chefs will know that they came to discover another way of living," Ndioro said. 

Significance of gastronomy highlighted 

On his part, the Head of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Yaounde I, Prof Abouna Paul, used the event to highlight the significance of gastronomy in African culture.

"Gastronomy goes beyond nutrients and food to embrace culture and civilisation. Behind gastronomy, there are cosmogonic stakes, aesthetic and taste stakes, medical stakes, security and social organisation stakes. Gastronomy is a way of knowing peoples and their way of life," Prof Abouna said.

Attendees hail DKA for smooth organisation 

Several attendees at the festival praised the organiser, Diaspora Kitchen Association, for the innovation, hard work, dedication and smooth organisation.

A chef from Cameroon, Cyril Biyong, said: "The notions of sharing, love, and African pride were present here. It was a pride that assumed a great openness to the world, as we received many fellow chefs from around the world".

Other attendees said the resounding success of the event has set the stage for future editions that promise to be even more exciting and innovative.

Zoom on key activities 

The Diaspora Kitchen Event 2025 was a celebration of innovation, cultural exchange, and community spirit. 

The event featured a concept store; where local entrepreneurs showcased their products, including agro-food transformation and Cameroonian-made products. 

Exhibitors from the North West region of Cameroon presented Cayenne Pepper, a product with numerous health benefits; including reducing high blood pressure and joint pains.

The event also featured a diverse range of activities, including masterclasses, cooking demonstrations, and panel discussions. 

Chefs from around the world, including Cameroon, Madagascar, the United States and Pakistan shared their expertise and showcased their culinary skills. 

The event also highlighted the importance of food dressing and presentation, with chefs emphasising the need to showcase African cuisine in a modern and appealing way.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3374 of Monday February 24, 2025