Kenya’s Chef Chep hosts a brand-new cooking show on Honey TV

If Nairobi, Kenya is known for one thing, it must be the city’s cooking. Chef Chep Chikoni joins HONEY TV as the host of a brand-new cooking show, My Kenyan Plate. The quirky, Kenyan-born chef joins an array of food content placed on the channel from across the continent. The show focuses on exploring the tastiest and most dynamic dishes from across Nairobi and Kenya at large. Every Tuesday at 4:30 PM, audiences get a hearty taste of what a mix of modern and traditional Kenyan food looks like. We sat down with the show’s star, Chef Chep Chikoni to find out more.

1 What does it mean to you to be on a pan-African lifestyle channel? 

If someone have told me this would happen two years ago, I would call them a professional and overqualified liar. I feel like I have made my mother and country proud. I will keep being consistent and relentless with my craft.   I can’t imagine a simple girl from a small village could get here. We sure underestimate our talents and gifts sometimes. For me this means now striving to perfect my cooking skills and learning more recipes. 

2 How did your journey in the cooking field start? 

It all started with genuinely being a foodie and I realised I could try out recipes in my little kitchen back then because I could not afford to eat out all the time.  My mum was also a good cook, so I just used to watch what she did and when I was of age, I started practicing what I saw. 

3 What are some of your favourite moments from shooting? 

Haha, I must say all times were my favourite. The production crew was amazing and friendly I never felt like I was away from home. There was healthy and fun banter always on set and the energy was up.  Best people ever. They were also very fast which is good coz I love things moving fast! My other joy was seeing the camera men salivating over the Kenyan food I was preparing. Made me feel so proud of myself. they also sang happy birthday and cut cake with me on my birthday!! I was there giggling sheepishly.

4 If there's one thing you wish people would know about Kenya's cuisine, what would it be? 

We like to keep it simple, but very delicious. One pot meals are a favourite for us. We like to spend time sharing good meals and conversing with our loved ones. Kenyan cuisine and its ingredients are easily available. 

5 What does the next few years look like from Chef Chep? 

To be honest, making Kenyan food go global. Empowering young people who love to cook and want to get serious with that passion. I’m also looking to work with global food brands to showcase my cooking skills. I want Chep Chikoni to be big.