Michael Elégbèdé
Michael Elégbèdé is a Nigerian native, third-generation chef, who is revolutionising traditional Nigerian gastronomy through his philosophy of taking local cuisine to the global stage. Michael’s dedication to collaborating with local artists is a testimony to his mission to build a sustainable culinary ecosystem in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. He has been recognised by the James Beard Foundation, Chef’s Manifesto, Dangote, CNN, BBC, World Health Organisation, and the United Nations. In 2020, Michael opened ÌTÀN Test Kitchen, his current test kitchen to the public for the first time. ÌTÀN Test Kitchen is a unique space in the heart of Ikoyi in Lagos which offers the city’s most exciting tasting menu and wine pairing in a decadent environment complete with tasteful modern art and locally crafted furniture. It also serves as an educational space for reimagining the ways in which Nigerian ingredients can be used, how cooking traditions can be reinterpreted to create remarkable eating experiences, and attempts to revolutionise the conservative perception of some of Nigeria’s most popular dishes.
