If you’ve ever scrolled through mouth-watering food content and stumbled upon a perfectly golden plate of plantain, chances are, you’ve met The Plantain Queen of Africa herself, Omoye Chukwuemeka.

Omoye Chukwuemeka, known far and wide as the Plantain Queen of Africa, is redefining how Nigerian and African cuisine is celebrated around the world.

As the award-winning CEO of OmoyeCooks, a brand that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of over 1.8 million food lovers, Omoye is on a mission to showcase African culinary traditions in new, creative, and exciting ways.

Recognized as one of Nigeria’s Top 50 Content Creators in 2024 and named a “Force of Food Content in Africa,” Omoye is not just cooking, she’s building a movement.

In this interview, she shares the story behind her rise, her self-taught journey, and how food has become her way of connecting, inspiring, and bringing African flavors to the global stage.

CA: Omoye, the world knows you as the Plantain Queen! But in your own words, who are you, and what are you building?

Omoye: I am Omoye, widely known as the Plantain Queen of Africa, a passionate advocate for Nigerian and African cuisine.

Through OmoyeCooks, I have built a community of millions of people across the world who share a love for our rich food culture.

My work revolves around celebrating and elevating Nigerian cuisine through creative recipes, immersive culinary events, and brand collaborations.

One of my most cherished initiatives is From My Kitchen to Yours, where I visit the homes of my online followers, fostering deeper connections through food.

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to preserving, modernizing, and showcasing African culinary traditions on a global stage.

CA: That’s incredible! But let’s rewind, how did this whole journey start?

Omoye: My love for food started way back in childhood, I grew up surrounded by women cooking in large quantities during celebrations, it was like theater to me! Watching food bring people together, hearing laughter around steaming pots.

My mother played a huge role in shaping my passion, she taught me how to cook and instilled in me the value of food as an expression of love and culture.

As I grew older, I realized that Nigerian cuisine deserved more celebration, and I wanted to be part of the movement that showcased it in a fresh, exciting way.

CA: And you’ve built something truly special! But you’re self-taught, how did you turn home cooking into a powerhouse brand?

Omoye: Honestly? Curiosity and a lot of trial and error. (laughs)  I started by sharing my cooking experiences online,  no fancy setup, just me in the kitchen, doing what I loved, using my platform to highlight Nigerian flavors in creative ways.

Over time, my authenticity and consistency attracted a growing audience, leading to brand collaborations, event opportunities, and the evolution of OmoyeCooks into a recognized culinary brand.

My faith in God also played a significant role, I trusted that my passion had a purpose, and that belief kept me going through every challenge.

CA: I’m sure it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. What challenges did you face along the way?

Omoye: One of the biggest challenges has been shifting the perception of Nigerian cuisine beyond just ‘home food’ to something that can be refined, celebrated, and globally recognized.

Additionally, many people underestimate the potential of our ingredients, limiting them to traditional uses without exploring their full versatility.

Breaking this mindset has required creativity, storytelling, and constantly pushing boundaries with my recipes and events. 

Beyond that, navigating logistics, sourcing quality ingredients, and organizing large-scale culinary events in Nigeria all come with unique hurdles.

I tackled these struggles through resilience, resourcefulness, and faith, leaning on the strong community I built around my brand.

My initiative From My Kitchen to Yours is one way I bridge gaps, by experiencing food in the homes of my followers, I learn, grow, and create stronger connections that fuel my mission.

CA: What kept you going in those early uncertain days?

Omoye: Beyond my faith in God, what kept me going was the joy and fulfillment I found in what I do.

Cooking is more than a profession for me; it’s a calling.

The excitement of creating something beautiful out of simple ingredients, seeing people enjoy my food, and knowing that I was playing a role in preserving and promoting our culinary heritage kept me pushing forward.

The support from my community and the love for Nigerian cuisine also fueled my resilience.

CA: How has your background shaped the way you approach your brand and career?

Omoye: My background deeply influences my approach. Growing up in a community where food was at the center of celebrations taught me that cooking is more than just sustenance, it’s about connection, culture, and storytelling.

That’s why my work isn’t just about recipes; it’s about experiences.

Whether it’s through Dine with Omoye, From My Kitchen to Yours, or even my day-to-day content, I focus on making Nigerian cuisine feel exciting, nostalgic, and innovative all at once.

CA: You’ve touched millions. How does it feel to see the impact of your work?

Omoye: It has been truly rewarding. Seeing people embrace Nigerian food with a new sense of pride, having home cooks try my recipes, and creating events that bring food lovers together, these moments make everything worth it.

The feedback, the excitement, and the growing appreciation for our cuisine show me that I’m on the right path. But I know there’s still so much more to do, and that excites me.

CA: Speaking of what’s next, what’s your vision for OmoyeCooks and African cuisine?

Omoye: My vision is for Nigerian and African cuisine to be recognized, appreciated, and celebrated globally.

I want OmoyeCooks to be at the forefront of this movement, creating spaces, experiences, and platforms that showcase our rich culinary heritage in sophisticated and innovative ways.

Dine with Omoye will grow into a signature event that defines fine dining with African flavors, and From My Kitchen to Yours will continue to connect me with people who make Nigerian food special in their own way.

Ultimately, it’s about keeping our food culture alive, making it mainstream, and ensuring that future generations understand and take pride in it.

CA: That sounds so exciting! Can you give us a little sneak peek into what’s coming next?

Omoye: Absolutely! One of my biggest upcoming projects is Dine with Omoye, happening on April 26, 2025.

This event is more than just a dining experience, it’s a celebration of Nigerian cuisine in its most extravagant form.

The theme, The Extravagance of the Nigerian Cuisine, is all about showcasing the richness, depth, and sophistication of our local flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and elevated.

Guests will not only indulge in a carefully curated menu but also experience the essence of Nigerian food culture through storytelling, presentation, and community.

It’s an opportunity to immerse in the beauty of our cuisine like never before, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

Omoye’s inspiring journey is a testament to passion, creativity, and unshakable belief in the power of food to connect cultures and communities.

Through her work, she’s not only redefining Nigerian cuisine but also putting African flavors on the global map, one plate, one story, and one connection at a time.