The holiday season is more than just a time for celebrations—it’s an opportunity to gather loved ones around the table and indulge in meals that evoke warmth, joy, and cherished memories. Across Africa and beyond, food influencers are reimagining traditional flavours and showcasing culinary creativity that can elevate any Christmas feast. From mouthwatering stews to decadent desserts, these remarkable women bring their passion for food to life, inspiring festive gatherings. Their recipes reflect their rich cultural heritage and incorporate innovative twists that make every dish unforgettable.
Whether planning an elaborate Christmas dinner or seeking quick and easy treats to impress your guests, these food influencers have something for everyone. Through their engaging content, they share personal stories, pro tips, and tried-and-true recipes that connect people through the universal language of food. This article explores a world of flavours and celebrates the season with these extraordinary women who turn simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.
1# Hilda Baci
Hilda Effiong Bassey, widely known as Hilda Baci, is a renowned Nigerian chef, restaurateur, and actress who gained global recognition in May 2023 for breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon cooking session, clocking in at 93 hours and 11 minutes.
Owner of MyFoodByHilda in Lagos, Baci combines her Nigerian roots with Italian culinary expertise, creating visually stunning and delicious dishes. Her occasional virtual cooking classes and captivating recipes make her a perfect inspiration for your Christmas feasts.
2# Winifred Nwania (Zeelicious Foods)
In 2017, Winifred Nwania left a high-paying job to follow her passion for cooking, founding Zeelicious Foods, a platform that simplifies cooking for everyone. A prominent Nigerian food blogger and chef, Nwania breaks down complex recipes into fun, easy-to-follow steps, inspiring countless home cooks.
Her engaging videos and cookbook featuring traditional Nigerian recipes make her a go-to source for festive culinary ideas.
3# Onezwa Mbola
A MasterChef SA alumna, Onezwa Mbola has built a strong following by creating homemade meals using ingredients she grows, raises, or forages herself. Known for incorporating traditional flavours into her recipes, Mbola highlights the beauty of South Africa’s Eastern Cape through her food content.
This Christmas, try her South African-inspired dishes for a refreshing culinary experience.
4# Zanele Angel Mvelase (ZeeTheCook)
Zanele Angel Mvelase, known as ZeeTheCook, is a celebrated South African food influencer. Starting as a McDonald’s ambassador, she’s now a household name in South African cuisine, known for her comforting meals that celebrate authentic local flavours.
From traditional braais (South African BBQ) to hearty Christmas roasts, Zanele’s recipes are perfect for a festive holiday table.
5# Yemisi Odunsanya (Sisi Yemmie)
Yemisi Odunsanya, affectionately called Sisi Yemmie, is a Nigerian food blogger and YouTuber who has won over a million subscribers with her vibrant and engaging content. Influenced by her Yoruba heritage and her mother’s cooking, Sisi Yemmie crafts recipes that unite people.
Her cookbooks and meal planners simplify the process of creating delicious family and kiddie meals, making her a top pick for Christmas inspiration.
6# Sweet Adjeley
Ghanaian food influencer Marklina Naa Adjeley Quayey, also known as Sweet Adjeley, started sharing her home-cooked meals in 2017. Her YouTube channel is a treasure trove of healthy eating tips and delightful recipes focusing on traditional Ghanaian dishes.
Her warm personality and practical tutorials will guide you to create meals that add a touch of home to your holiday celebrations.
7# Precious Core
Originally from Cameroon and now based in Southern California, Precious Meshi Nkeih is a food blogger and content creator specialising in African and Cameroonian recipes. Nkeih shares quick, easy, and healthy recipes perfect for the holidays.
Her blog also covers lifestyle and family tips, making her a relatable and comprehensive resource for holiday cooking ideas.
8# Fafa Gilbert (Ndudu by Fafa)
Fafa Gilbert, popularly known as the Flavor Queen, is a Ghanaian food blogger based in the UK. Her platform, Ndudu by Fafa, celebrates African cuisine by blending traditional tastes with modern cooking techniques.
From vibrant stews to elegant festive dishes, Fafa’s recipes are perfect for impressing your guests this Christmas.
9# Chef Tolani (Diary of a Kitchen Lover)
Tolani Osikoya, also known as Diary of a Kitchen Lover, is a certified chef, recipe developer, and one of Africa’s top food influencers who started as a home cook with an eye for aesthetics. She has since built a loyal community by sharing creative, easy-to-follow recipes.
Her achievements include winning the Sterling Bank’s Jollof Master competition and interviewing global figures like Bill Gates at the NutriVision 2024 summit on nutrition. Chef Tolani passionately educates over 500 budding chefs through her platform, “Kool and Beyond.” She reminds her fans that no dream is too big and that even the humblest beginnings can help them get recognised globally.
