The Quirky Oven

One of my most memorable weddings was creating an intimate and innovative grazing-style buffet table for 80 guests. This was unique for a Nigerian wedding, as it combined the rich flavours of traditional Nigerian cuisine with a modern, visually stunning presentation.

The menu featured crowd favourites like puff puff, Jollof rice, buns, and suya, all beautifully arranged to encourage guests to mingle and enjoy the food at their own pace. The grazing table was designed to be both interactive and aesthetically pleasing, making it a highlight of the celebration.

The guests were delighted by the mix of tradition and innovation, and the couple loved how the setup created a warm and inviting atmosphere. It was an unforgettable experience that showcased how cultural cuisine can be reimagined for modern weddings.

Flavourful, Authentic, Innovative, Elegant, Personalised

At The Quirky Oven, we take immense pride in several aspects of our business that define who we are and what we stand for:

Authentic Culinary Excellence: We are dedicated to delivering authentic Nigerian and Afro-fusion cuisine, prepared with the finest ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Our commitment to quality ensures that each dish resonates with rich cultural flavours, providing our clients with a genuine taste of Nigeria.

Award-Winning Recognition: Our dedication to excellence was honoured when we received the Best African Food award at the 2024 Be Inclusive Hospitality Spotlight Awards. This accolade reflects our passion for culinary innovation and our role in promoting African cuisine within the UK.

NCASS

Cultural Fusion and Innovation: We specialise in blending traditional Nigerian recipes with contemporary culinary techniques, creating unique Afro-fusion dishes that appeal to diverse palates. This innovative approach allows us to introduce the rich flavours of Nigerian cuisine to a broader audience.

Personalised Wedding Catering: We take pride in crafting bespoke wedding catering experiences that reflect the unique love stories of our clients. Our ability to customise menus and presentations ensures that each wedding we cater is memorable and tailored to the couple's vision.

Your wedding day should reflect your unique love story, so focus on elements that are most meaningful to you, whether that’s the food, the venue, or the entertainment. Communicate your vision clearly with your vendors, and don't be afraid to ask for customisations that align with your style and preferences.

When it comes to catering, consider the guest experience. Choose a menu that accommodates diverse tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone feels included and enjoys the celebration. Lastly, trust your vendors, they are there to help make your day stress-free and unforgettable!

Our typical process with a couple at The Quirky Oven is designed to ensure their wedding catering experience is seamless, personalised, and unforgettable. Here’s how we work with couples:

Initial Consultation:

We start with a friendly conversation, either in person or virtually, to understand the couple's vision, preferences, and expectations. This includes discussing the style of service (buffet, plated, grazing table, etc.), guest count, dietary requirements, and cultural influences they want reflected in the menu.

Bespoke Menu Design:

Based on the consultation, we craft a tailored menu featuring authentic Nigerian-inspired dishes and any requested fusion elements. We ensure the menu is balanced, inclusive, and reflective of the couple’s personality and heritage.

Tasting Session:

Couples are invited to a tasting session to sample their proposed menu. This allows them to finalise dish selections, suggest adjustments, and gain confidence in the quality and presentation of their wedding feast.

Event Planning Collaboration:

We liaise with wedding planners, venue coordinators, and other vendors to ensure the catering aligns with the overall flow and design of the day. This includes planning the setup, service times, and any special requests.

Customised Presentation:

Whether it’s a beautifully curated grazing table, elegant plated meals, or a vibrant buffet spread, we ensure the presentation matches the couple’s wedding theme and aesthetic.

Seamless Execution:

On the wedding day, our professional team handles every detail, from food preparation to impeccable service, allowing the couple to relax and enjoy their celebration without worry.

Post-Event Feedback:

We follow up with the couple to ensure their expectations were met and to celebrate the success of their special day. Their feedback helps us continually improve our services.

At The Quirky Oven, we pride ourselves on creating a stress-free, personalised, and memorable experience that leaves the couple and their guests delighted.

To wow the judges on MasterChef, I would focus on showcasing my culinary expertise, creativity, and passion for Nigerian-inspired and Afro-fusion cuisine. Here’s how I’d approach it:

Introduce a Story:

I’d begin by sharing the inspiration behind my dish—drawing from my heritage and personal journey as a caterer. For example, explaining how Jollof rice is a symbol of celebration in Nigerian culture and how I’ve elevated it with a contemporary twist.

Create a Stunning Dish:

I’d present a plated masterpiece combining traditional flavours with modern techniques. An example could be:

Starter: Suya-spiced lamb croquettes with a smoked pepper aioli and pickled onions for a balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavours.

Main: A deconstructed Jollof rice dish with charred king prawns, crispy rice crackers, a tomato and scotch bonnet reduction, and a coconut foam garnish.

Dessert: Puff puff doughnuts infused with citrus zest, served with a Baileys and chin chin crumble and a spiced caramel drizzle.

Highlight Techniques:

I’d demonstrate mastery of cooking techniques, perfectly cooked proteins, precise plating, and layering of flavours.

Innovative Presentation:

Presentation is key, so I’d ensure each dish is visually stunning, combining vibrant colours and elegant plating. The goal would be to make the judges pause in admiration before taking the first bite.

Deliver Bold Flavours:

I’d focus on delivering a symphony of bold, balanced flavours that celebrate Nigerian spices and ingredients, ensuring each bite leaves a memorable impact.

Show Confidence and Passion:

I’d confidently explain my choices, demonstrate my passion for my culinary roots, and engage the judges with my enthusiasm and dedication.

By blending tradition with innovation, I’d aim to not only excite the judges’ palates but also leave them with a deeper appreciation of Nigerian cuisine.

One of the most innovative wedding dishes I created was Asun (spicy goat meat) stuffed in a brioche bun with mozzarella cheese. The tender, spicy goat meat was slow-cooked with traditional Nigerian spices and paired with the creamy richness of melted mozzarella. Stuffed inside a buttery brioche bun, this dish offered a perfect balance of bold, smoky flavours and indulgent texture.

Another standout creation was the Suya taco with spicy homemade suya sauce, which reimagined the popular Nigerian suya in a taco form. The taco featured thinly sliced, spice-rubbed suya meat, fresh toppings for a burst of texture, and a smoky, spicy suya sauce that tied it all together. These dishes were a hit at the wedding, showcasing the fusion of traditional Nigerian cuisine with contemporary, globally inspired presentation.

The "food of love" is subjective and varies across cultures and personal preferences, but it typically refers to dishes that evoke feelings of comfort, passion, and connection. These are foods prepared with care, thoughtfulness, and the intention to bring joy and togetherness. In essence, the food of love is any dish made with genuine care and affection, bringing people together in celebration of their connection.

Love and authenticity are my secret ingredients. Every dish I create is infused with a passion for showcasing the rich, bold flavours of Nigerian and Afro-fusion cuisine. Beyond spices and techniques, it's the genuine care, attention to detail, and cultural pride that elevate each meal.

On a tangible level, one of my go-to secret flavour enhancers is a carefully balanced homemade spice blend, including traditional Nigerian spices like suya spice or the smoky essence of Scotch bonnet peppers. This unique combination adds depth and excitement to every bite, ensuring my dishes leave a lasting impression.

Ultimately, it’s the perfect blend of heart, heritage, and innovation that makes my food truly unforgettable.