Freetown — In a vibrant showcase of Sierra Leonean culinary artistry, Fatmata Mida Carew, General Manager of the National Tourist Board (NTB), recently attended a dynamic pop-up event at Cole Street Guest House. Organized by proprietor Chef Miatta Marke, the event aimed to spotlight the rich flavors and cultural heritage embedded in Sierra Leonean cuisine, as part of preparations for the upcoming 3rd Edition UN Tourism Gastronomy for Africa Conference scheduled for 2026 in Freetown. Fatmata Carew enticed with local serving cutlery designed with wood and pan which represents a true Sierra Leonean setting and style.
The event brought together key officials from Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, and the Monument and Relics Commission, all led by Minister Nabeela Tunis. Their purpose was clear: to sample and celebrate the diverse, authentic flavors that define Sierra Leonean food culture, while also emphasizing the nutritional and health benefits of these traditional delicacies.
The menu was an impressive array of local favorites, thoughtfully prepared and presented using international culinary techniques. Highlights included Acaraje, Huntu, Ros Bif, Kontri Fol Croquettes, Fry Cassada, and Jerk Goat—an age-old recipe with a history spanning over 150 years. The meal was rounded out with a delectable dessert, offering guests a taste of Sierra Leone’s rich culinary tapestry.
Minister Nabeela Tunis expressed her admiration for Miatta Marke’s culinary ingenuity, praising her ability to blend diverse ingredients while maintaining the authentic essence of Sierra Leonean recipes. “Miatta’s dedication to preserving our cultural heritage through food is commendable,” she remarked. “Her creative approach not only showcases our unique flavors but also highlights the talents of Sierra Leonean chefs in the international culinary arena.”
Supporting her sentiments, Permanent Secretary Edward Kwame Yankson, Director of Tourism Mohamed Jalloh, NTB General Manager Fatmata Mida Carew, and Monument and Relics Commission Administrative Manager Ann-Marie Kamara all savored the dishes, praising the delicious flavors and presentation.
Beyond her role as a hospitality professional, Miatta Marke is a passionate foodie with a keen interest in international cuisines. Her culinary ethos at Cole Street Guest House revolves around presenting Sierra Leone’s flavors through the lens of classic global techniques, utilizing fresh, locally sourced, and personally cultivated ingredients. The event also featured a variety of local drinks, including lemongrass juice, cucumber juice, hibiscus juice, and Salone apple juice, which complemented the meal perfectly.
As Sierra Leone prepares to host the prestigious UN Tourism Gastronomy for Africa conference, events like this pop-up serve as vital platforms to elevate the country’s culinary identity. They showcase the depth of local talent and the potential of Sierra Leone’s food culture to attract international tourists and food enthusiasts alike.
With a vibrant food scene grounded in tradition yet open to innovation, Sierra Leone is poised to make a mark on the global culinary stage. The efforts of passionate individuals like Miatta Marke and the support of government officials reinforce the nation’s commitment to celebrating and preserving its rich cultural heritage through food.
In conclusion, the pop-up event at Cole Street Guest House not only highlighted Sierra Leonean delicacies but also celebrated the creativity, resilience, and cultural pride of Sierra Leone’s culinary community. As the country readies itself for a major international event, such initiatives will undoubtedly help position Sierra Leone as a must-visit destination for gastronomic explorers worldwide.
