In the dynamic world of culinary innovation, Chef Fatmata Binta has emerged as a pioneering force and influenced the culinary landscape with a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Born into a nomadic Fulani tribe in Sierra Leone, Chef Binta’s culinary journey began with deep roots in West African flavors and traditions. This included doing everything from scratch at an early age and making the connection between food and community and how they bond society together.
Culinary Roots and Global Exploration
Chef Binta’s culinary education took her beyond Sierra Leone as a child. She felt a calling to cook. From exploring the great diversity of food in Spain and receiving an education in hospitality in Nairobi, Kenya to launching Dine on a Mat – a pop-up restaurant that has traveled to cities in Europe, the US, and Africa – her culinary education and global exposure provided her with a diverse perspective on culinary arts.
Returning to West Africa, Chef Binta integrated her international experience with the rich tapestry of Fulani cuisine. Her vision for gastronomy is an invitation for guests to step outside of their comfort zone and explore flavor and sustenance inspired by the palettes of Fulani women. It focuses on celebrating the undervalued and underused ingredients in Africa.
Sustainable Gastronomy – A Culinary Revolution
Chef Binta recognizes that Indigenous Peoples’ food Systems are among the most sustainable, resilient, and unique on the planet. They provide diverse foods, and resources while preserving and enriching biodiversity. She shows her respect for these systems and helps to preserve them through her work.
Chef Binta’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond her restaurant, Fulani Kitchen, which is based in Accra, Ghana. Advocating for the use of local, organic ingredients and implementing eco-friendly kitchen practices, she is considered to be at the forefront of a culinary revolution that values both tradition and sustainability.
Empowering Culinary Leaders
Chef Binta is also committed to creating a sustainable movement of Fulani ambassadors focused on preserving traditional culinary practices while incorporating modern and eco-friendly approaches. She established the Fulani Ambassadors Program to empower individuals within the Fulani community through training programs, mentorship, and community engagement.
This, along with her founding the Fulani Kitchen Foundation to empower and support women in rural communities across West Africa, has led to her nurturing a new generation of culinary leaders who excel in preserving and promoting Fulani culinary heritage.
Global Recognition
All these ventures have led to Chef Binta receiving one of her highest honors to date. In 2022, she won the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize. She was chosen out of 1,000 nominees for her “ability to showcase sustainable nomadic culinary culture and explore the diaspora of West African cuisine”. She also received the Best Chef Rising Star Award in 2021 and was appointed by UN Tourism as a Sustainable Tourism Ambassador in 2023.
Legacy of Resilience and Empowerment:
As Chef Binta continues to shape the narrative of Sierra Leonean cuisine, her legacy is one of resilience, passion, and a commitment to a sustainable future. Through her efforts, she is leaving an enduring impact on the culinary landscape within West Africa and on a global scale.
Chef Binta’s story is one of authenticity, dedication, and a commitment to preserving and promoting Fulani culinary heritage while contributing to a sustainable and globally recognized culinary landscape.
