His ingenuity has made him a household name. He is the first African chef to feature and do a live cooking show at the Dubai Food Festival.
Private Chef and Knorr Taste Quest Judge, Gbubemi Fregene started off as DVARD, a grilling BBQ and finger-only brand.
They slowly ventured into doing food for people but kept it low at 20 people maximum. It progressed to them being able to cater for larger crowds, but not more than 50 people. They also started to specialize in bespoke private dinners.
As of now Chef Fregz has grown to the point where they have their space and product lines like their canapés, private dinners, catering and consultation work.
How did the street food come about for you?
This is the third season of streetfood NAIJA, there’s actually one in Ghana as well. I have been part of the show but this is my first time as a judge on the front and yes this is the season where it got me a lot of attention.
Since secondary school, street food has been a part of my life because I grew up in Elupeju here and there was this legendary suya spot I frequented so I knew every food vendor in Elupeju.
Street food is actually a lot about favour because it’s like maximizing flavour but it’s accessible. Street food has become like people’s brands and businesses.
From hawking to having a once spot etc it has now become a major thing even around the world.
What is it that you have seen in Nigerian street food vendors that strike you?
Resilience actually, like they are super resilient Nigerian street vendors will bring like out good from nowhere and they will be consistent with it. The was a Nigerian girl during a food contest, she gave me one of the best street food I have ever eaten.
See the video below for more!
