Dan: What do you think about Nigerian food…?
In a bid to change people’s perceptions of Nigeria, siblings Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick last month launched Chuku’s, a Nigerian-inspired tapas lounge at Clapton’s Palm2.
Ifeyinwa (left) and Emeka (right)
The pair has put their own spin on their favourite childhood recipes to reflect their heritage and experiences as part of the Nigerian diaspora. They hope to ease their guests into Nigerian cuisine by presenting dishes in a tapas style.
Emeka and Ifeyinwa set up Chuku’s after becoming tired by the negative portrayals of Nigeria and its lack of representation in the UK’s restaurant sector. Through their tapas lounge, the duo seeks to confront both of these issues. Their aim for Chuku’s is to showcase the beauty of Nigerian culture through the medium of food.
The slogan? ‘chop, chat, chill’…
Emeka Frederick, Ifeyinwa’s older brother and co-founder of Chuku’s, explains, “Chop is Nigerian pidgin for eat and it shows that Nigerian food is at the heart of what we do. Chat is for the conversations we expect our ambience to foster.
Londoners are notorious for avoiding contact with strangers but at Chuku’s we want you to speak to people you don’t know. And chill is for our relaxed atmosphere. An afternoon at Chuku’s is an opportunity for our guests to take some time out from their hectic schedule.”
With their first pop-up having sold-out, the pair is returning to Palm2 on Sunday 20 September. Those looking to watch their journey can find them on Twitter @chukusldn or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chukusldn.