Meet Gabi Odebode | Co founder of Afromeals

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabi Odebode and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In a world where culinary diversity is celebrated, I felt like there was an uncharted territory, a treasure trove of flavors often overlooked which I believe is the vibrant and varied cuisines of Africa. I felt like African cuisines were underrepresented and many people were not aware of them thus I was driven by the desire to educate the Western world about African cuisine. I was excited to share the rich and culturally significant flavors of the continent.

For far too long, the Western world has been captivated by a limited spectrum of global cuisines while overlooking the depth and breadth of African culinary traditions. The absence of African dishes on restaurant menus, in cooking shows, and in mainstream cookbooks has left a gaping void. It is this absence that ignited the spark of inspiration in me.

I was born and raised in West Africa Ghana. I live on the African continent where I was raised with dishes that are dear to my heart. Dishes that I believe others would enjoy if they ate it. As someone who has a profound appreciation for the diverse cultures and flavors of Africa, I recognized the need for change. My journey to educate the Western world about African food started with a simple but powerful realization: African cuisine was not just about sustenance; it was a vibrant expression of culture, history, and identity.

Through my upbringing along with extensive research, and collaboration with African chefs, home cooks, story tellers, bloggers, and the likes, I embarked on a mission to share the hidden gems of African cuisine. I unearthed the stories behind each dish, the significance of ingredients, and the cultural rituals that accompanied meals. Armed with this knowledge, I set out to illuminate the culinary heritage of Africa.

Education became the cornerstone of my mission. I began by sharing knowledge and discoveries through cookbooks, catering, cooking classes, cpg products, news outlets (t.v, radio and magazines), blogs, and social media, challenging stereotypes and shedding light on the remarkable diversity within African food. The goal was to foster understanding and appreciation among those who had yet to experience these flavors.

I recognized that the most profound way to educate was through the palate so I co-founded a business name Afromeals where I hosted events such as cooking classes, catering and pop-up dinners, allowing Western audiences to savor the exquisite tastes of Africa. These immersive experiences broke down barriers and brought people together over shared plates.

Beyond my own efforts, I became an advocate for the representation of African cuisine in culinary institutions, media, and the food industry. I tirelessly promoted the inclusion of African dishes in restaurants, cookbooks, and food festivals, amplifying the voices of African chefs and home cooks.

As I continue to educate the Western world about African food, my vision remains clear: a world where African cuisine is celebrated and integrated into the global culinary tapestry. I envision a future where African flavors are cherished and respected, where the underrepresentation of these culinary treasures becomes a thing of the past.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Afromeals offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Afromeals is not just a business; it is a culinary journey, a cultural immersion, and a celebration of the rich tapestry of African and Caribbean heritage through the art of food.

Afromeals is more than just a cooking class and a catering business; it’s an invitation to embark on a tantalizing journey of flavors, aromas, and stories that span across continents and generations. With a deep-rooted passion for the culinary treasures of Africa and the Caribbean, Afromeals opens the door for everyone to savor the vibrant and diverse dishes that define these regions.

At the heart of Afromeals are its engaging and immersive cooking classes. These classes are a gateway to the culinary traditions that have been passed down through families, enriched by history, and nurtured by the communities of Africa and the Caribbean. Here, participants become not just spectators but active participants in the creation of these cultural gems.

Our experienced chefs, who are not just experts in their craft but also passionate advocates of cultural preservation, guide participants through every step of the cooking process. From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering traditional cooking techniques, each class is an opportunity to learn, connect, and embrace the essence of African and Caribbean culture.

Afromeals believes that food is more than sustenance; it’s a reflection of identity, history, and shared experiences. Through our cooking classes, participants gain a profound understanding of the significance of each dish, the stories behind the ingredients, and the cultural rituals that accompany meals. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about preserving and sharing the cultural heritage of Africa and the Caribbean.

Afromeals goes beyond the kitchen to foster connections and understanding. Through our classes, participants of diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared love for food and culture. We believe that by experiencing the world through one’s palate, we can bridge gaps, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive and harmonious society.

As Afromeals continues to grow and evolve, our vision remains clear: to be the leading platform that introduces the world to the exquisite flavors of Africa and the Caribbean. We aspire to expand our offerings, collaborate with culinary experts, and host events that showcase the beauty of these cuisines.

At Afromeals, we are committed to preserving and celebrating the culinary heritage of Africa and the Caribbean. Through our cooking classes and catering, we invite you to embark on a culinary adventure, explore new tastes, and immerse yourself in the rich cultures that have shaped our world.

At Afromeals, we are not merely in the business of providing cooking classes; we are on a passionate mission to deliver unforgettable cultural experiences. What sets us apart, and what truly excites us, is the fusion of our commitment to cultural enrichment, our unwavering dedication to exceptional customer service, and our high standard of professionalism.

What truly sets Afromeals apart is our unwavering dedication to sharing the essence of African and Caribbean culture through food. Each class we offer is meticulously curated to be more than just a cooking lesson—it is an immersive journey into the heart of traditions, flavors, and heritage. We believe in the power of food as a cultural bridge, and our commitment to cultural enrichment is at the core of everything we do.

At Afromeals, we don’t just value our customers; we cherish them. Our commitment to delivering incredible customer service is an integral part of our identity. From the moment you engage with us to the completion of your cooking class and beyond, our dedicated team is always ready to go the extra mile to ensure your experience is nothing short of exceptional. We take pride in responding to your needs promptly and attentively, making you feel like a valued member of the Afromeals family.

Professionalism is the backbone of Afromeals. We understand that your time and investment are precious, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards in every aspect of our business. Our classes are conducted by experienced chefs and experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to each session. We value punctuality, clear communication, and delivering on our promises.

The path to success in the culinary world is often seasoned with challenges, and Afromeals is no exception. However, what sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to resilience, continuous learning, and the power of collaboration. Let’s take you through our journey of overcoming challenges and emerging stronger.

Afromeals began as a passionate venture, fueled by a deep love for African and Caribbean cuisine. However, the journey was not without its fair share of culinary complexities. As we encountered new techniques, ingredients, and regional variations, we realized that relearning was essential. Our chefs and team members embraced the challenge, dedicating themselves to mastering the intricacies of these diverse cuisines. It was through continuous learning and a willingness to adapt that we transformed hurdles into stepping stones.

Every business faces moments when adaptation becomes crucial, and Afromeals was no different. The ever-changing landscape of the culinary industry demanded that we pivot strategically to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We listened to feedback, identified trends, and adjusted our offerings to align with the desires of our audience. This ability to pivot with purpose allowed us to stay relevant and cater to the changing culinary preferences of our clients.
Patience is the silent hero of our journey. Building a successful culinary business takes time, and we’ve learned to embrace the process. In moments of uncertainty or setbacks, we leaned on our patience, understanding that every challenge was an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine our craft. This enduring patience has been a guiding force that has seen us through even the toughest of times.

At Afromeals, we firmly believe that collaboration is key to overcoming challenges. Whether it’s partnering with local suppliers for fresh ingredients or teaming up with other culinary experts to broaden our knowledge, collaboration has been a driving force behind our success. We have forged connections with chefs, culinary enthusiasts, and cultural experts, and these partnerships have enriched our offerings and expanded our horizons.

In conclusion, our journey at Afromeals has been marked by challenges that, in hindsight, have been our greatest teachers. We have overcome these hurdles through a commitment to relearning, strategic pivoting, unwavering patience, and the power of collaboration. As we continue to grow and evolve, we carry these lessons with us, knowing that they are the secret ingredients that make Afromeals a culinary experience like no other. Our challenges have not deterred us; they have shaped us into the resilient, adaptable, and collaborative culinary storytellers we are today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, the first place I would take then is Downtown Cincinnati Findlay Market to find local vendors selling array of goodies such as food, fresh produce and other awesome finds. From there I will show her our where we host our cooking classes “Findlay Kitchen”. After that we will visit several of my favorite eatery. We would go to my favorite Jamaican spot, Senegalese food restaurant, etc.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As I take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love. Today, I want to dedicate this heartfelt shout-out to my husband Dr. Iyanu Odebode, my rock and my unwavering support, for your pivotal role in the creation and success of Afromeals.

From the very beginning, you stood by my side with unwavering faith and enthusiasm. Your encouragement was the fuel that ignited my passion and propelled me forward on this entrepreneurial journey. You believed in me even when I doubted myself, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.

Your support has been nothing short of extraordinary. You lent your expertise, your time, and your energy to Afromeals, working tirelessly alongside me to turn our dream into a reality. The late nights and early mornings, the brainstorming sessions, and the endless to-do lists – we tackled it all as a team. Your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in shaping Afromeals into what it is today.

Your prayers have been a source of strength and comfort. Your belief in the vision of Afromeals, coupled with your heartfelt prayers, have been a powerful force driving our business forward. Your faith has carried us through the challenges and celebrated with us during the victories.

Iyanu, your love and support have not only bolstered my confidence but have also enriched our lives in countless ways. You’ve shown me the true meaning of partnership, resilience, and unwavering commitment.

As we continue on this journey together, I want you to know that your contributions to Afromeals extend far beyond the tangible. You’ve been my co-founder, my confidant, and my greatest cheerleader. Together, we’ve weathered storms and basked in the sunshine of our successes.

Iyanu, your love and support is the bedrock upon which Afromeals stands, and I am eternally grateful for your presence in my life. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and the incredible work you’ve put into our business have been nothing short of miraculous.

Website: Afromeals.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefgabio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Image Credits
Abanyie film and studio