Elgin entrepreneur quits finance job to launch African meal kit boxes to Scotland

An Elgin-based Nigerian mum who swapped the world of finance for a new venture showcasing African food says her cooking aims to bring cultures together.

Onyi Onyeiwu’s recipe boxes are proving popular, combining traditional dishes with music for an authentic African experience.

Onyi settled in Moray with her husband in 2019 and previously worked in finance and investment.

While on maternity leave, she began sourcing groceries for the growing African community living in the area – and soon realised there was enough demand to turn it into a business.

“My business background gave me the motivation to jump in – it’s not perfect, you just have to have the gut to jump in and learn as you go,” she told STV News.

Now her meal boxes – called The African Cart – are flying off the shelves, with the first recipe featuring Nigerian jollof rice with chicken and plantain.

Onyi said: “You might not have the opportunity to travel to an African country but it’s almost like it’s brought to your doorstep. You can cook the food, play the music and read about the country.

“It’s a mix of savoury and sweet – it’s not as spicy as people think, so everyone can enjoy it.”

The boxes include facts and information about Africa as well as a curated playlist to add to the ambience while preparing and eating the meal.

Onyi, who is also running local cooking classes, says its a fun way to bring different cultures together and share experiences.

“I also see this as an opportunity to allow people to connect and bond with friends and family.

“These are some of the foods you grew up with – it’s culture through food. People may be homesick and want to connect with back home and pass the food down to their children.

“It opens up a world of flavours. The next might be Morroccan or North African. It’s an adventure through the continent.”