Ladha Za Africa: A 'Must-Experience' African Culinary Festival for everyone

October is the official sherehe month and Boma College (BIHC) did not disappoint. For the first time ever, the Kenyan culinary scene witnessed an All-African festival like no other. This month, the Ladha Za Africa culinary competition was the place to be and Citizen Digital was there to help serve all the authentic spice.

Ladha Za Africa is an African Culinary Festival that sure did live up to its title. The 5-day African festival was all about honoring the African tradition, promoting cultural innovation and preaching cultural appreciation. The festival also went above and beyond by creating forums for networking, building communities and discovering new talents.

This year, the competition attracted more than a dozen culinary schools and about 10 five-star hotel brands across Africa. The competing parties were presided over by revered judges including; Chef Bernice Kariuki, a private chef and sports nutritionist, Chef Shaun Leonard, a certified World Chefs judge and currently the Executive Chef and Culinary Program Leader at BMHS, as well as Chef Mike Mwangi, a seasoned chef and the current General Manager for Tribe Hotel.

More than Just a Competition

Ladha Za Africa culinary festival is more than your ordinary culinary competition. From fusion dishes to sustainable practices, Africa’s culinary contributions are leaving an indelible mark on the international gastronomic scene and we too, should tell these tales of taste and flavor in the most creative way possible.

Outside the kitchen, the challenge also included workshops, masterclasses and engagement opportunities between schools, partners, industry practitioners and sponsors.

To add to the African vibe, competing participants were graded in more than one area. Winners were selected based on; organization, knife skills, working techniques, creative presentation, food safety techniques, quality and flavor in true African fashion. 

Become Part of the Next African Culinary Odyssey Experience

With a concept such as this, Ladha Za Africa is the next African festival to become talk of town and continent at large. Luckily, becoming part of this culinary odyssey is as simple as saying “Cheese!” All live and past updates of the festival are highlighted on BIHC’s social media platforms. However, if you are thinking of becoming a participant, head over to (BIHC website link) for more information.