Kachi Yvonne Tim named recipient of the Culinary Leadership Award

Nigerian–Kittitian chef and entrepreneur Kachi Yvonne Tim, founder of Kachi’s Kitchen, has been honoured with two major recognitions — the Culinary Leadership Award and Fast Rising Restaurant of the Year (2024).

The dual honours celebrate her growing influence in Africa’s culinary scene and her outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership, and community impact in hospitality.

Kachi Yvonne Tim, who started her journey from Lagos, Nigeria, has become a symbol of creativity and determination in African gastronomy. Through her restaurant and catering brand, Kachi’s Kitchen, she has championed a new wave of food storytelling that merges traditional African flavours with modern presentation and digital lifestyle branding.

Speaking after the announcement, Kachi described the awards as “a reminder that leadership isn’t only about the food on the plate but about the lives you inspire through it.”

Since launching Kachi’s Kitchen in 2017, Tim has built a strong following on social media for her vibrant dishes, elegant food styling, and relatable approach to cooking. What began as a small catering service has evolved into a Lagos-based brand catering to both corporate clients and private events, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The Culinary Leadership Award highlights her commitment not just to excellence in cuisine but also to community impact. Through The Alpha Mom Foundation, a non-profit she founded, Kachi supports single and widowed mothers across Nigeria, providing them with skills and empowerment opportunities in food service and entrepreneurship.

In addition, Kachi’s Kitchen earning the Fast Rising Restaurant of the Year (2024) title cements her growing reputation as one of the continent’s most promising culinary entrepreneurs. The award recognises her restaurant’s blend of innovation, quality, and social impact — reflecting a business model that balances artistry with purpose.

With her expanding influence, Kachi Yvonne Tim continues to inspire young Africans to explore food as both an art and an instrument of empowerment. Her story reflects a larger movement redefining African gastronomy — one that celebrates culture, creativity, and community in equal measure.