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Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of West African cuisine in Houston

Chris Shepherd also learns the art of making fufu in this episode of ‘Eat Like a Local’

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, chef Chris Shepherd takes a deep dive into a cuisine he admittedly knows very little about – west African.

Chris enlists the help of chef/owner Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk to help educate him on this growing culinary movement in Houston. Chef Ope is on a mission to raise awareness in Houston and eventually the nation about his Nigerian heritage and cuisine, but also that of other African countries like Senegal, Ghana and Liberia.


ChòpnBlọk

MONTROSE: 507 Westheimer Rd. | Houston

POST HOUSTON DOWNTOWN: 401 Franklin St. | Houston

At ChòpnBlọk, he’s taken the iconic foods of these countries and turned them into approachable, understandable dishes like the Motherland – a mix of East African-style coconut curry with West African black-eyed peas and sweet plantains, and Polo Club Suya – marinated, spiced beef skewers that originated in Nigeria.

Chris Shepherd shares what to order at ChòpnBlọk (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

FAMOUS PRINCESS KITCHEN

17036 W Little York Rd. | Houston

After walking Chris through the menu at ChòpnBlọk, Ope takes Chris to the place he goes when he wants the authentic tastes of home, Famous Princess Kitchen. Here Chris learns about Nigerian soups, which by American standards are not soups at all, but thick, dippable stews.

Chef Ope Amosu takes Chris to one of his favorite spots - Famous Princess Kitchen. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

Speaking of dipping, Chris gets an education on ‘swallow’, a Nigerian staple dish created from root vegetables.


After trying swallow for the first time, Chris wants to learn more. He connects with Kavachi Ukegbu, author of the Art of Fufu. Kavachi’s family owns Safari, one of the oldest Nigerian restaurants in Houston. Through her cookbook and cooking classes, she’s teaching Houstonians how to make one of the most common types of swallow, fufu.

Chris Shepherd learns how to make fufu from Kavachi Ukegbu, author of the "Art of Fufu". (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

With Kavachi as his guide, Chris heads to Amazing Grace African Supermart to shop for fufu ingredients before heading into the kitchen to learn how to make fufu.

Chris Shepherd learns how to make fufu from Kavachi Ukegbu, author of the "Art of Fufu". (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.


Season 2 of “Eat Like a Local”


About the Authors
Dawn Campbell headshot

Sports mom, amateur nature photographer, and regional Emmy award-winning television producer

Field producer by day. Cruise director by night to a busy, foodie, outdoorsy family, which includes two sports loving boys and one craft beer loving husband.