Zimbabwean award winning vegan chef, Nikola Kagoro, widely known as Chef Cola, has emerged as a leading voice in the region’s sustainable food scene, garnering international acclaim and dominating the local catering circuit for high-profile events.
The founder of African Vegan on a Budget is set to become the first Zimbabwean chef to feature on an Amazon Prime cooking series by appearing on Dish It Out with English TV show host and professional cook, Tilly Ramsay.
The series premiers this Friday Sept. 05 and Zimbabweans can tune in on Prime Video, available via subscription across the country.
Dish It Out is Prime Video’s vibrant new cooking show hosted by Tilly, daughter of world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.
The 32-episode series blends celebrity appearances, viral food trends, and creative recipes.
Chef Cola’s episode will showcase her signature Afro-vegan flair, highlighting how Zimbabwean-inspired plant-based cuisine is taking its place on the world stage.
“This moment is bigger than me,” Chef Cola said.
“It’s about putting Zimbabwe on the global culinary radar and showing that African vegan food is innovative, sustainable, and absolutely delicious.”
The first eight episodes of the 32-episode series are already available with new episodes released weekly until September 26.
According to a Press statement, in each episode Ramsay, who is stepping out of her famous father’s shadow, will take viewers on a culinary journey celebrating online trends and family favourite recipes.
“She unboxes surprise ingredients and tools, revealing recipes sent by celebrity chefs, social media influencers, and loved ones,” the statement read.
“From secret family recipes to the latest viral food trends, Tilly tackles each dish with her signature flair, creating mouth-watering masterpieces.”
Throughout the season, the series will feature over 50 special guests, including Gordon, Tina Choi, Alessandra Ciuffo, Sam Holland, Gillian Jacobs and Summer Madison, among others.
Chef Cola’s stature was solidified on a global stage when she was featured as a presenter at the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit Africa in Botswana last year, where she showcased modern Zimbabwean vegan cuisine to an audience of the continent’s most influential young entrepreneurs and innovators.
This spotlight positioned her as a key figure, bringing local plant-based culinary traditions to the forefront of African innovation.
Back home, she has also become synonymous with eco-conscious luxury, establishing her as the caterer of choice for premier events that align with her ethos.
This was exemplified at the Sofar Harare Eco-Friendly Fashion Show and Music Concert hosted last year in Harare, where her catering services were a central component of an event dedicated to sustainability and style.
She also curates Dinner with Chef Cola, a series where she brings African vegan dining experiences to cities across the continent and beyond.