9 Brown Chefs Bringing Bold Flavours to LA’s Entertainment Capital

Try a taste of African Food In LA—perfect for your next production

Los Angeles may be home to the stars, but behind the scenes—and in kitchens across the city—another kind of magic is cooking. As the film and TV industry continues to embrace diversity both on and off-screen, a new generation of Black and West African chefs are carving their names into LA’s culinary scene. Whether they're serving spicy suya at a music video wrap party, creating intricate pastries for celebrity brunches, or feeding crews on long shoot days, these chefs bring culture, excellence, and unforgettable flavor to every plate. Here's a look at six tastemakers who deserve the spotlight.

Featured Chefs

1. Chef Opportune Akendeu (African Chop)

Origin: Cameroon | Instagram: @chefakendeu | website- www.chefakendeu.com 

Known For: Afro-fusion flavors, Hollywood film set catering, private dining

Industry Tie-In: Specializes in catering for film shoots and Airbnb events

For eight years, Chef Opportune Akendeu, founder of African Chop, has been a force in the Los Angeles food scene, building a loyal clientele by transforming traditional Cameroonian dishes with a touch of West Coast flair. From Hollywood film sets and music video shoots to private Airbnb pop-ups, her vibrant, elevated cuisine tells a story with every bite. She takes classic dishes like ndolé and reimagines them as elegant canapés and serves grilled fish with artfully crafted plantain boats. Each dish is a celebration of her heritage, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice.

In a recent interview with Black Film Wire, Chef Akendeu reflected on her journey, sharing her passion for bringing the flavors of Cameroon to new audiences and creating memorable culinary experiences:

“Cooking is a joy, especially here in Los Angeles. Every meal connects me to this city’s diverse people and cultures. For me, it’s a way of sharing happiness and making a difference, one plate at a time. That’s why I’m so glad to share that African Chop is back on Grubhub LA this week, serving all of LA County.”– Chef Akendeu

2. 2. Chef John Paul (JagabanLA)

   Origin: Nigeria | Instagram: @JagabanLA|  (Wikipedia)

🍽️ Known For: Jollof rice, peppered goat, and luxury street-style Nigerian plates

🎬 Industry Tie-In: A go-to chef for Afrobeat afterparties and influencer events

Chef John Paul’s kitchen, JagabanLA, serves up unapologetically bold Nigerian flavors—from smoky pepper goat to jollof that’ll start debates. His flair for presentation and his magnetic personality have made him a favorite among Afrobeats musicians and social media tastemakers. He’s also the culinary genius behind The Pepper Goat.

3. Chef Ashley (Jerk Muva)

📍  | Instagram: @Jerkmuva | Website

📍 Origin: Jamaica (with a Black LA twist)

🍽️ Known For: Jerk tacos, fusion soul food, bold branding

🎬 Industry Tie-In: Often caters to Caribbean-centred content creators and indie filmmakers

Chef Ashley, better known as Jerkmuva, is known for turning up the heat literally. Her food truck and pop-ups have made appearances at Black film festivals and music video shoots alike, offering jerk chicken tacos, festival sliders, and creative cocktails with a side of sass.

“Honestly, what I love most about Jerk Muva’s food is Jerk Muva! Knowing how colorful, genuine, and rich she sets the palate. The food speaks for itself!”

4. Chef Belle (Amabel Akpan)

📍 Origin: Cameroon | Instagram: @waw_bite

📍 Origin: Nigeria

🍽️ Known For: Pastries, desserts, and luxury brunch experiences

Industry Tie-In: Provides dessert tables and custom cakes for red carpets, cast parties, and creative mixers

A pastry artist with a Paris-meets-Lagos flair, Chef Belle crafts confections that are both delicious and Instagrammable. From mini puff-puff towers to lavender cakes adorned with edible flowers, her work is a favorite among stylists and PR agents planning press junkets or actor birthdays.

5. Chef Christy Embako (Tonge’s Taste)

📍 Origin: Cameroon | Instagram: @Tonge’sTaste| Website

Known For: Traditional Cameroonian cuisine, family-style dishes, private chef services

Industry Tie-In: Works as a personal chef for entertainment professionals and their families

Chef Christy blends heart, heritage, and hospitality. Her kitchen, Tonge’s Taste, offers rich Cameroonian comfort food with a homestyle touch. She’s become the secret weapon for actors and creatives seeking soulful nourishment during high-pressure productions.

 “Some days are like this: mom, boss, wife, sister, and auntie. The struggle is real. Thank you to all Tonge’s Tasters, I love you all. Keep the orders coming, we got your backs.”

• Editor in Chief, Black Film Wire

6. 6. Hailemariam Gebreyesus Yohanis 

   Origin: Ethiopia | Instagram:  @chef_yohanis

Chef Yohanis is a mission-driven healthy lifestyle brand dedicated to make the taste and the health benefits of Ethiopian food globally available through international products that people are used to cooking and eating.

7. North African Chef Zadi (Revolutionario La)

@RevolutionarioLa | Website:

Chef Yohanis is a mission-driven healthy lifestyle brand dedicated to making the taste and health benefits of Ethiopian food available globally. We offer a line of international products that are easy for people to cook and enjoy, and people love his food because it's both delicious and healthy.

His food is crafted with a focus on vibrant spices and fresh, wholesome ingredients, creating rich and complex flavors that are deeply satisfying. At the same time, Ethiopian cuisine naturally emphasizes nutritious grains, legumes, and vegetables, which aligns with a healthy lifestyle. This combination of great taste and health benefits is what makes Chef Yohanis's food so appealing.

8. 8. The Billionaire Chef 

   Origin: Nigerian | Instagram: @thebillionairechef

Chef Eros (Tólùlọ́pé Eros), also known as "The Billionaire Chef," is a Nigerian-born culinary artist who shares his culture and heritage through food. We like him because he elevates Nigerian and West African cuisine to an upscale, fine-dining experience. Through his restaurants, ILÉ and Ara Ilé, he masterfully blends traditional flavors with modern techniques, sharing his passion and stories through every dish. His work not only introduces diners to the rich and vibrant tastes of West Africa but also showcases the elegance and sophistication of the cuisine, earning him his celebrated reputation.

9. Chef Fariyal Abdullahi

   Origin: Ethiopian | Instagram: @ChefFariyal Website 

For over two decades, Meals by Genet has been a culinary cornerstone in Los Angeles. Founded by Genet Agonafer, a self-taught chef and Ethiopian immigrant, this beloved Fairfax district restaurant became a testament to her success story. She started as a caterer and eventually opened her own dining room in 2000, sharing her soulful, traditional Ethiopian cuisine with the city.

We love Genet's food because it's so rich and full of life. It’s known for its incredible berbere-centered flavors, which are complex and deeply satisfying. Her menu, including a hugely popular vegan selection, turns every meal into a shared feast, bringing people together over communal plates. The restaurant’s excellence even earned it a spot as a James Beard Award semi-finalist.

While Genet has since semi-retired to enjoy time with her grandchildren, the restaurant's legacy continues. The dining room now reopens for select in-person dining on limited days, focusing primarily on takeout orders and private events, ensuring that her legendary flavors can still be savored by all.

Try a taste of African Food In LA—perfect for your next production

From international co-productions out of Nollywood set in California’s creative capital to the heart of indie and studio productions in Hollywood, these chefs aren’t just feeding people—they’re fueling the culture. Keep an eye (and a fork) out for their next pop-up or on-set appearance. We know we will.

Keep reading @blackfilmwire.