Vanessa Cole: We Deserve to Put West African Cuisine on Global Map

Vanessa Cole, an internationally trained chef and founder of Cole Cooks, has leveraged her dual heritage from Lagos and London to promote Nigerian and West African cuisine. Growing up, Cole was exposed to a diverse range of culinary experiences, from traditional Nigerian dishes to international flavors. This exposure has shaped her approach to cooking, which emphasizes ingredient-led innovation and a blend of culinary curiosity.

Cole trained professionally in Europe at Chef Academy London and worked in a two-Michelin-starred kitchen at Bibendum. She dispels the myth that culinary school is essential for becoming a chef, stating that real-world experience in the kitchen is crucial. Her cuisine is described as refined comfort food that evokes nostalgia, achieved by elevating humble ingredients and reinterpreting them with a sophisticated touch.

Cole's approach to creativity has evolved over time; she now takes a more unapologetic stance, pushing the boundaries of traditional dishes to create innovative and relatable experiences. She challenges the industry to focus inward and highlight the potential of Nigerian cuisine, arguing that it deserves global recognition for its versatility and rich culinary heritage.

When asked about the global misunderstanding of West African cuisine, Cole emphasizes that it has significantly influenced cuisines across the diaspora, particularly in the Americas. She advocates for a reevaluation of West African techniques, which are often undervalued but hold significant potential for global culinary innovation. Cole's ultimate goal is to establish West African cuisine as a respected and celebrated part of the global culinary landscape.