GTCO Food and Drink Festival Day 2: Chef Tilly Redefines African Cuisine with Nutritious Flair
Written By Dedeigbo Samson Ayodeji
Posted By Town Crier News Nigeria
Published By Fitness Network Communications
The GTCO Food and Drink Festival Masterclass Day Two welcomed the vibrant presence of renowned nutrition chef, culinary innovator, and Head of Culinary at Nigeria’s largest cloud kitchen, Chef Tilewa Odedina, popularly known as Chef Tilly. Trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, Chef Tilly captivated the audience with her signature approach to transforming African dishes into nutrient-rich, exciting meals that not only nourish but also ignite joy and passion for food.
Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, Chef Tilly emphasised that her goal was not just to feed the body, but to feed the soul with African flavours done the right way. “Food is like medicine, it heals the body. Food healed me, it can heal you too,” she shared passionately. For her, the culinary art goes beyond flavour and presentation, it is deeply rooted in purpose, healing, and cultural identity. She believes in the power of using the right ingredients, combining them effectively, and applying the right techniques to unlock food’s potential to restore and revitalise. “I believe God created certain ingredients to heal the body. Some people don’t have access to medicine or doctors, yet they are still healed through food,” she added.
GTCO Food and Drink Festival continues to elevate and promote African culture, and this year’s edition stands out as a true celebration of the continent’s culinary brilliance. “If you go around today, you would see a lot of food made by Africans, inspired by Africans, and also having an African on the show to showcase what they do, GTCO is really showcasing it,” Chef Tilly noted. She praised the organisers for their commitment to supporting local talent and entrepreneurs by allowing vendors to participate for free, calling it an unmatched show of support for African creators and businesses.
In her closing remarks, Chef Tilly offered heartfelt advice to aspiring chefs: “Chase your passion, trust yourself, trust the process. The journey would surely make sense. I believe in you. Don’t take things for granted. People are watching. Just put in excellence.” Her words resonated deeply, affirming her role not only as a chef but as a mentor and source of inspiration in the culinary community.
With Chef Tilly’s class kicking off today at 1:00 PM, the audience was treated to a transformative session led by a culinary force redefining what it means to eat well. Her partnership with Miele Nigeria and leadership in culinary education underscore her dedication to African food innovation. Through her expertise, Chef Tilly is shaping a future where food becomes a joyful, healing experience for all.
