We’re spotlighting our top Africooks of the month and we’re super excited to feature the amazing Shalom Okeke, aka Sobecooks! We’ve noticed your dedication and consistency in the community. Keep up the fantastic work!
AFN: Tell us about yourself!
Shalom Okeke: My name is Shalom Sobechi Okeke, I’m an experienced chef and entrepreneur based in Lagos, Nigeria. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra state.
AFN: Why do you cook?
Shalom Okeke: I cook because I have a deep, lifelong passion for food and the joy it can bring to people. From a young age, I have found immense satisfaction in creating delicious dishes and seeing the delight on the faces of those who enjoy them.
Cooking allows me to express my creativity, experiment with flavors, and share my love of good food with others.
Shalom Okeke: One of my most cherished kitchen memories is the first time I hosted a dinner party for my friends and family. I spent weeks meticulously planning the menu, sourcing the freshest ingredients, and perfecting each recipe.
When my guests arrived and tasted the dishes, their reactions of pure delight and satisfaction made all the hard work worth it. It was at that moment that I knew I had found my true calling as a chef.
AFN: What is your biggest cooking fail?
Shalom Okeke: Early on in my cooking journey, I attempted to make puff puff for the first time. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful and resulted in an unappealing dish.
I was devastated at the time, but I learned a valuable lesson about the importance of technique and following recipes precisely. That experience taught me to approach new challenges with humility and a willingness to learn from my mistakes.
Shalom Okeke: I would have to say that my high-quality chef’s knife is the one piece of kitchen equipment I simply cannot do without.
Shalom Okeke: One of my absolute favorite dishes to prepare is a hearty Nigerian jollof rice. I love the complex layers of flavor in this dish, from the fragrant spices to the rich, tomato and pepper-based sauce.
Jollof rice is a true staple in Nigerian cuisine, and I take great pride in perfecting my own version, which always leaves my family, friends and customers thoroughly satisfied.
Shalom Okeke: I would love to encourage anyone with a passion for food, whether novice or experienced, to embrace their creativity in the kitchen. Cooking is such a wonderful form of self-expression, and there is always more to learn and discover.