Cooking, Culture, and Community: A Nigerian Feast with Ozoz Sokoh
- Josh Mendoza
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
Welcoming Nigerian food writer Ozoz Sokoh of Kitchen Butterfly to our September Vancouver Cookbook Club
Earlier this year, shortly after launching our Vancouver Cookbook Club, we received a surprise DM on Instagram. It was from none other than Ozoz Sokoh: Nigerian food writer, educator, and geologist-turned-food-blogger. She shared that she would be visiting Vancouver in September for a wedding and wanted to know if we’d like to host a cookbook club event together.
Of course, we said yes immediately. Fast forward to September, and many of our members have called this one of their favourite gatherings yet. Was it the spicy, soulful Nigerian food? The incredible people who joined us? Both, yes—but above all, it was Ozoz’s warmth, generosity, and presence that made the day extra special.
Truth be told, I hadn’t eaten much Nigerian food before this. Maybe once or twice at a cultural festival. I was a little intimidated to cook it myself, unsure of what the dishes should taste like and worried that some guests might feel the same. But on the day of the event, those nerves melted away. The care, creativity, and effort everyone poured into their dishes was inspiring, and Ozoz herself was impressed!
We cooked from Ozoz’s debut cookbook, Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria, a vibrant collection of recipes interwoven with history, culture, and storytelling. Penny’s Groundnut Stew was rich and comforting, with just the right balance of flavour. Shelley’s Chicken Pepper Soup—spicy, bold, and deeply nourishing—was perfect for the early fall weather. And Dami’s Chin Chin (fried dough bites), packaged individually for everyone to take home, showed a true labour of love.
After the feast, Ozoz led us through a hands-on spice presentation that brought her cookbook to life. From Alligator Pepper to Banga Stick, she introduced us to the flavours that ground Nigerian cuisine in history and tradition. Being able to touch, smell, and learn about these spices added an unforgettable layer of depth to the day.
We hosted this event at Coastal Eden Café, a venue especially close to me and Cynthia’s hearts. More than just a café, it’s a social enterprise in the Downtown Eastside that creates meaningful opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after struggles with addiction or barriers to work. On a personal note, it’s also the café where our own story began. A few years ago, I was working there full-time while Cynthia volunteered every Saturday. Those Saturdays were when we got to know each other—and, without realizing it, planted the seeds of the relationship that eventually grew into our marriage.
If you’re looking for a café to visit this fall, add Coastal Eden Café to your list. Some of our favourites: the Chicken Sandwich, Mortadella Sandwich, Ginger Molasses Cookie, cinnamon buns, and of course, their amazing coffee served with warmth.
Since this was our very first cookbook author event, we wanted to make it extra special. Cynthia designed personalized bookmarks for each guest, featuring their name on one side and a Chop Chop design on the other, a practical keepsake for cookbook lovers. We also brought back our signature DIY photo booth, complete with instant prints for guests to take home.
From Ozoz’s life-giving spirit and culinary wisdom, to the 30+ homemade dishes our members created and shared, this September cookbook club was truly one for the books.
Interested in joining our Vancouver Cookbook Club? Make sure to sign up for our Interest Form!
This was such a thoughtful, well-put together event. I was welcomed and touched and impressed with the care and attention. Thank you Josh & Cynthia, and to the guest.