Culinary anthropologist Ozoz Sokoh, also known as Kitchen Butterfly, pictured with her cookbook. Photo Credit: Ozoz Sokoh/Instagram
Nigerian food writer and culinary anthropologist Ozoz Sokoh, widely known as Kitchen Butterfly, has made history by winning the James Beard Foundation Award for Emerging Voice in Books 2026 for her debut cookbook, “Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria.” This landmark achievement marks the first time a Nigerian cookbook has ever won a prestigious James Beard Award. Sokoh accepted the honour in person during the James Beard Media Awards ceremony held at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Widely regarded as the “Oscars of the food world,” the James Beard Foundation Awards celebrate excellence in culinary arts and media. According to the foundation, the Emerging Voice Award specifically recognises “work of immediate impact and lasting significance by a first-time published author whose unique perspective expands the reach of the subject matter.”
Ozoz Sokoh accepts the Emerging Voice in Books honour on stage at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo Credit: Ozoz Sokoh/LinkedIn
That description fits Sokoh and her work precisely. Celebrating the historic win, she shared: “I’m thrilled to have been in Chicago this weekend to receive the James Beard Award for Emerging Voice in Book, in celebration of my debut cookbook, Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria.”
The official 2026 James Beard Foundation Emerging Voice in Books medal and ceremony placard awarded to Ozoz Sokoh for her cookbook. Photo Credit: Ozoz Sokoh/Instagram
Published by Artisan Books, Chop Chop features 100 classic Nigerian recipes spanning all six geopolitical regions of the country. The book covers staple dishes like egusi soup, pepper soup, jollof rice, suya, and puff puff, while providing…
Source link
Read Full Article by BellaNaija.com at www.bellanaija.com
Source link
