Chef Isatu will teach delicious, authentic Sierra Leonean dishes followed by a sit-down meal.

ABOUT THE CUISINE

Sierra Leonean cuisine comes from West Africa and reflects the country’s rich cultural diversity and abundant natural resources. Meals combine rice, legumes, vegetables, and spices, often incorporating plantains and hearty stews. Cooking is hands-on, social, and meant to be shared, with signature dishes like Jollof Rice, Spinach Stew, and Rice Arkara highlighting the warmth, community, and culinary creativity of Sierra Leonean food culture.

ABOUT THE CHEF

A message from our Chef Isatu:

“I am Isatu from Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is a small country in West Africa bordered by Guinea, Liberia and the Atlantic Ocean. I am a Fulani, and my tribal identity is as important as my national identity. Sierra Leone is a culturally diverse country, rich in a number of minerals including diamonds and gold.

Cooking has always been my passion. As a very young child, I was already pretending to be a chef and made my siblings play along with this game. I started cooking for real when I was 12 years old at my mother’s side. She started by giving me simple tasks to do and gradually taught me how to prepare dishes properly. I am grateful that she shared her secret tips with me.

I believe it is important to continuously develop oneself and in the importance of community. Putting these principles into practice, I became a volunteer chef with the Red Cross and with Connect All Community, cooking for over 60 people every week.

I bring humour and joy to everything I do, including my cookery classes. I am sure you will enjoy your time learning about Sierra Leone and its cuisine. I look forward to welcoming you!”

ON THE MENU (subject to change):

Jollof Rice with Plantain | Vegan; None

Marinated Chicken | Meat (Chicken); Mustard

Sierra Leonean Salad | Vegan; None

Spinach Stew | Vegan; None

Rice Akara with a Scotch Bonnet Sauce (Banana Fritters) | Vegan; Gluten (Wheat)

Lentil Soup | Vegan; Gluten (Wheat)

Chakiry (Couscous Pudding)| Vegetarian; Gluten (Wheat), Milk, Tree Nuts (Almonds, Pistachios)

This menu contains meat (chicken) but is vegetarian friendly (6/7 dishes are meat-free). Allergens include: gluten, milk, mustard, tree nuts.

Please note that 5/7 dishes in this class use an All Purpose Seasoning which may contain: celery, crustaceans, eggs, fish, gluten, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, soy.

Please let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements so our team is aware ahead of the class, but kindly note that we will not be substituting any ingredients to accommodate dietary needs, so please only book into classes that suit your dietary requirements.

Join Isatu’s hands-on, social cookery class in London to learn to make authentic Sierra Leonean dishes — and celebrate the flavours, skills, and culinary traditions refugees bring to the UK.

THE CLASS FORMAT

Our cookery classes are family-style – meaning everyone works together to prepare the dishes as a team.

While you’ll be asked to choose one dish to focus on, you’ll have the opportunity to move around the kitchen, help with other dishes, and learn from each recipe. It’s a fun, social, and collaborative way to cook! At the end of the class, you’ll sit down with the chef, class facilitator and volunteers to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created together.

REMINDERS

We’re excited to have you in the class! Please take note of a few final reminders:

Please see our refund/cancellation policy: Migrateful Ticket Refund Policy | Migrateful (https://www.migrateful.org/terms-and-conditions/migrateful-ticket-refund-policy/)

Please see our allergens policy here: Food & Allergens Policy | Migrateful (https://www.migrateful.org/terms-and-conditions/food-allergens-policy/)

We recommend using a debit or credit card to pay (paypal takes 48 hours to be confirmed).

Spaces are limited – book now to secure your spot and experience the true taste of Sierra Leone!

WHY JOIN A MIGRATFUL CLASS?

By joining a Migrateful cookery class in London, you’re not just learning delicious new recipes — you’re supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK through cooking, connection, and cultural exchange.

Thank you for celebrating the unifying power of food to connect us all. We can’t wait to cook with you soon!

Description supplied by the event organiser.