Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare On Her MICHELIN-Star Success

"A relaxed, 'modern West African' restaurant in Fitzrovia from self-taught chef Adejoké 'Joké' Bakare, the UK's first black female chef to earn a MICHELIN Star. Influences span West Africa, and with 'probably 75%' of diners new to the cuisine, the team happily explains ingredients like uda (a smoky-flavoured spice), uziza (West African black pepper), grains of paradise, and sinasir (a fermented rice pancake). An open kitchen lets Joké keep a connection with guests, and the largely fixed set menu—definitely not a 'tasting menu'—removes friction by taking care of starters so the only choice is the main; even drinks follow suit with a 'wine flight' rather than a pairing to avoid any fine-dining pretence. The name means 'the silence that descends when you're enjoying a meal', regulars have followed from Brixton and new ones are appearing around Marylebone, and visitors from New York often say there's nothing like it back home. Expect exciting, interesting dishes that pack a flavoursome punch and the skilled judgement that has Inspectors and diners eager for what comes next." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team