As the sun sets on October 1st, the vibrant celebrations of Nigerian Independence Day come alive in Houston's beloved 'Little Lagos.' At the heart of this cultural extravaganza stands Chef Kavachi Ukegbu, renowned author of the cookbook 'The Art of Fufu,' ready to orchestrate a culinary celebration that will dazzle the senses and honor the rich heritage of Nigeria. Chef Kavachi is known in Houston as one of the Nigerian culinary leaders that is continuing the education and celebration of Nigerian cuisine. She is on a mission to bring West African food to the forefront of the Houston food scene and beyond.

Part of Chef Kavachi’s celebration will include hosting Belle Full Brunch to “pay homage to Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage while embracing the diversity of American cuisine.” Belle Full Brunch will include a 3-course meal, a selection of signature-inspired Nigerian drinks, music, and vendors in this celebration of culture, food, and unity.

When it comes to Nigerian Independence Day, drinking is involved.” says Chef Kavachi. Along with festive drinks, During the brunch there will be many traditional foods like Jollof rice, soups, stews, and Fufu also known as Swallow. Fufu is one of Chef Kavachi's way of introducing people to Nigerian culture with cooking classes, paint parties and more .

This day celebrates both past and present, bringing together Nigerians and Houstonians from other West African countries in unity. Chef Kavachi remembers her uncles celebrating Nigerian Independence Day with Heinekens and that “they were talking about the village. They were talking about home.” They also celebrated the many accomplishments of the Nigerian community here in Houston- “we are owners. we are professionals.”

“When my mom opened Safari in 1994, she was just feeding the community”. Safari is one of the longest running Nigerian restaurants in Houston that makes their traditional way and with flavors that would bring comfort to Nigerians and enthusiasts of Nigerian food. At that time, authentic Nigerian spices and foods were not easy to find. Chef Kavachi remembers times her mother would have to use creative substitutions and even “smuggle” spices from Nigeria.

Safari grew into a place many Nigerians would come for the flavors of home and to connect with other Nigerians to share news of what was happening in their home country. Today, Safari continues to serve as an anchor for Houston’s Nigerian community. This family legacy developed a passion within Chef Kavachi, a passion to bring the flavors and foods of Nigeria to the mainstream of the Houston food scene.

The celebration doesn’t stop at Nigerian Independence Day for Chef Kavachi. She will join an elite group of local and national culinary celebrities, November 11-12, 2023 at the Honeyland Food & Music Festival in Sugar Land. This festival will bring a national spotlight to the taste, flavors, visual arts, and sounds from top Black creatives from across the country, including some of Houston’s best.

Honeyland promises to savor the best of Black food tradition while highlighting innovation. Other participants include eight-time James Beard award winner, Chef Marcus Samuelsson; vegan influencer, chef, and author, Tabitha Brown; artist and local favorites artist Tobe Nwigwe, Chef Chris Williams, Chef Keisha Griggs and Chef Dawn Burrell.

Chef Kavachi, after traveling to other festivals, says for Houston to host Honeyland “is a different feeling.” A feeling of pride and excitement to expose others to Nigerian culture.

Chef Kavachi promises “the best of both worlds,” from her menu at Honeyland and promises to give you “a piece of Nigeria on a plate.” using traditional flavors imported from Nigeria. She says it will feature traditions of Nigerian cuisine while incorporating the influence of American cuisine. Her menu will include jollof rice and swallow. You will also be able to purchase products from her family’s company Grubido Inc. Chef Kavachi says the festival will be a great opportunity for everyone to “come get this Southern hospitality!”

Through all of her culinary endeavors, Chef Kavachi wants everyone to “appreciate the roots, the DNA of food culture, especially when it comes to Nigeria.” The evolution and growing prominence of Nigerian food culture in Houston has not been easy. The narrative Chef Kavachi wants to create is that “it wasn’t easy and a lot of our traditional foods we want to keep because it is a part of our DNA.”

You can find more of Chef Kavachi’s homage to Nigeria in her cookbook, The Art of Fufu (www.artoffufu.com) . Tickets to the Honeyland Food & Music Festival can be purchased online: www.honeylandfestival.com