If you’re reading this you must be a foodie, and if you’re not then you’re still welcome to keep reading. If you’re interested in trying foods from different cultures or if you’re an international student craving food from back home this is for you. There are so many delicious foods out there, but as a West African myself, here are my top three recommended spots for delicious African foods whenever I feel homesick or simply craving good food. All three of these spots are unique in their own ways, providing fresh, mouthwatering delicious foods to satisfy your cravings. Each cook is from a West African background and their goal is to bring joy to people through the food they deliver. What makes them worth trying out is knowing the hard work, dedication, and love put into the creation of every meal. Today I’m taking you on a journey to explore my personal 3 favorite tasty African food services in Kamloops. After interviewing each prospect I was able to get some insight into the background of their business and why they could be the perfect fit for you!

 

COLES KITCHEN

 

Coles Kitchen is a delivery or pick-up service. It is run by an international student from Nigeria, who first started his business in 2016. Prior to today, it used to be called “The Bench” when he first started.

When asked what made him want to start his business, Cole responded, “I love cooking and I love food. You can’t love something you know nothing about.”

He defines his service as a kitchen where you would expect food to be fresh, hot and his goal is to “bring authentic traditional Nigerian cuisine to the world that has to be delicious, authentic and made by him”.

His top sellers are:

• Jollof Rice
• Efo
• Meat Pies
• Shawarmas

 

 

If you’re still asking yourself, why should I purchase food from this business? Cole has the perfect response for you,

“If you’re not buying my food you’re missing out on a lot. I don’t do a lot of advertisements, I believe in word of mouth. My clientele keeps growing and to me, that’s something positive. Without doing any advertisements, I still get exposure. My reputation speaks for itself.”

What makes his business unique to him is his ability to customize his dishes for his customers. He is able to cater to their specific taboos and wants. He also takes into consideration food allergies.

 

 

AFROFUSION

 

Afrofusion is a delivery and pick-up food service started by Zhaynaab who loves to cook not just African food, but food in general! She provides anything “food” related. She also caters to parties, events, bakes, and creates personalized food boxes. These boxes can be modified to your liking and are ideal for lunch, dinner, birthday gifts, a surprise, or just a treat.

When asked what was the goal of her business, Zhaynaab responded saying,

“To provide good food! I feel like there’s an abundance of food everywhere. There are so many restaurants and where I come in is making sure you’re aware of everything going into your food. I make it to your tastes and your preferences and I’m very flexible with my food. The main goal is to provide a unique type of experience when it comes to feeding people. I hope my business will grow bigger whilst still maintaining flexibility and the home-cooking feeling from eating my food.”

Her top sellers are:

• Jollof rice
• Waakye
• Jerk chicken pasta (Rasta Pasta)
• Egusi

 

 

Zhaynaab encourages people to at least try her food, knowing that everyone’s preferences differ. Over the past years, a lot of people have had the opportunity to try her food because she cooks in bulk every year during a certain time period. This is a great initiative in order to understand your customers better but it also shows an act of selflessness towards to community as she puts in all her hard work for others to be able to try her food free of charge whenever she cooks in bulk. This shows she is truly passionate about cooking and about satisfying everyone’s cravings.

When asked what makes her business unique, Zhaynaab explained with enthusiasm that,

“Every business is unique, whether it’s the system or more. I put a lot of effort and love into everything I do. I cater to every single individual’s needs which may take more time but it’s fulfilling knowing my clients are satisfied. Two people could order the same food, but it would taste different because I want to cater to your preferences and provide you with your own unique experience.”

 

 

TOBILICIOUS

 

Tobilicious is a walk-in restaurant, pick up, and delivery food service that’s available on Skip the Dishes and Door dash. It is run by a Nigerian graduate called Tobi, who launched her business in 2020 amidst the pandemic.

Tobilicious provides various kinds of services that cater to the needs and wants of her clientele. Her restaurant is located at 299 Victoria St W, Kamloops BC. She has various West African food items on her menu to select from, ranging from meals to snacks and drinks.

Tobilicious started as a school business idea which she pitched to her class and was able to win over most international students. When first arriving in Kamloops, she had difficulties getting used to her environment. She would feel homesick and crave African food, only to realize there was nowhere for her to get some. As many supported her, she decided to turn this idea into a reality despite all the challenges that came with it.

Her top sellers are:

• Jollof rice
• Fried rice
• Egusi
• Suya
• Pepper soup

 

 

Tobilicious caters to everyone and has a wide range of customers who can attest to her food. It’s important to the business to satisfy everyone’s craving, many of whom felt like her when they first arrived in Kamloops. If you ever missed African food and didn’t know where to get some, now there’s a place for you! Or if you’re simply interested in trying something new and tasting different African meals you’re given the opportunity to do so in this restaurant.

Her business is unique because she has turned what was once an idea into a reality, into an establishment that any individual can walk into and leave with an experience. She also tries her best to satisfy her customers by being flexible in the food she makes if they have specific demands. The customer service is exceptional and welcoming which displays a level of professionalism that is appreciated by most. It’s inspiring to see her dream come true and see her sharing her love for food.

 

 

We’ve come to the end of my top 3 list. And if your mouth isn’t watering by now then you should take a look at their business pages to be blown away by more of the amazing foods they make. All these three services are unique in their own way and all cater to the customer’s wants and preferences. What I love the most about these businesses is their level of flexibility and their desire to provide good food to their community that is continuously expanding. It is evident that every single dish comes with hard work, dedication, and love. From personal experience, and customer testimonials this simple fact is enough proof that these services are worth a try and bound to make you crave more. I encourage you, dear reader, to make your first order and promise you won’t regret it! But also, make sure you’re aware of what you are ordering.

 

Here’s a short clip for your entertainment. Follow me to meet a few of the business owners, watch the food-making process, and most importantly taste some delicious food !!!

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Jennifer Houinato

 

 

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To make orders, find out more about the businesses, or contact the owners, click the links in the descriptions below:

 

Coles Kitchen 

https://www.instagram.com/_coles_kitchen/

Afrofusion

https://www.instagram.com/afrofusion.meals/

Tobilicious 

https://www.instagram.com/tobilicious__/