Eko Flavours, Africa’s premier culinary showcase powered by Culinara Group in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture & Food Systems, has officially unveiled the Top 100 contestants for Season 3 (2026).
The announcement was made at the Top 100 Briefing & Shopping Experience, held at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub, Idi Oro, Mushin, bringing together the selected contestants, government representatives, brand partners, culinary leaders and alumni of the Eko Flavours community.
The event served as both an orientation for the new contestants and an opportunity to experience the ecosystem supporting this year’s competition. Contestants participated in a lively shopping showcase featuring products from Eko Flavours’ brand partners, while a panel session provided insights from key figures behind the competition.
A Platform for Culinary Talent and Opportunity
Delivering the Lagos State Government’s goodwill message on behalf of Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, Mrs. Oviebo, Director of the Lagos Fresh Food Hub, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s culinary capital.
She described Eko Flavours as more than a cooking competition, highlighting its role in empowering young talents, promoting cultural storytelling and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship.
“Eko Flavours is more than a competition; it is a platform for empowerment, cultural storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like this, we are equipping young talents to turn their passion for food into sustainable businesses that positively impact the economy.”
The message reflects the broader vision behind Eko Flavours: to use food as a vehicle for creativity, culture, enterprise and economic opportunity.
Building the Next Generation of Culinary Entrepreneurs
The Co-CEOs of Culinara Group, Ms. Jennifer Odufuwa and Mrs. Olufunke Adu, also highlighted the transformative potential of the Eko Flavours platform.
Ms. Jennifer Odufuwa emphasized that the competition is designed to create pathways for young culinary talents to turn their passion into sustainable ventures.
Mrs. Olufunke Adu further noted that the platform was created to celebrate Lagos’ rich culinary heritage while equipping chefs with the knowledge, visibility and opportunities needed to thrive in a changing economy.
For the Top 100 contestants, the competition therefore represents more than an opportunity to showcase their cooking skills. It is a chance to develop their creative identities, build their personal brands and become part of a growing culinary community.
The Top 100 Take Centre Stage
With the official unveiling of the Top 100, the next phase of the Eko Flavours journey is now underway.
The contestants bring different culinary backgrounds, experiences and creative perspectives to the competition. Together, they represent a new generation of food creators ready to showcase the diversity and creativity of Lagos cuisine.
As they progress through the competition, contestants will have opportunities to demonstrate not only their culinary abilities but also their creativity, storytelling and ability to connect with audiences.
Meet the Top 100 Contestants
The 2026 Top 100 includes emerging chefs and foodpreneurs from across Lagos:
Next Up: The Host Like a Chef Challenge
The unveiling of the Top 100 marks only the beginning.
The contestants are now preparing for the Host Like a Chef Challenge, the next phase of the Eko Flavours Season 3 journey.
The challenge will put contestants to the test beyond the kitchen, requiring them to bring together their culinary skills, creativity, presentation and ability to create an engaging experience for their audience.
Being a great chef is about more than preparing delicious food. It is also about how you present it, tell its story and create memorable experiences around it.
The Host Like a Chef Challenge will give contestants the opportunity to showcase these qualities as they take on the next stage of the competition.
For the Top 100, the pressure is on. The ingredients are ready, the challenge awaits, and every contestant has an opportunity to stand out.
The Journey Begins
From the Lagos Fresh Food Hub to the next stages of the competition, Eko Flavours Season 3 is set to bring together food, culture, creativity and entrepreneurship in a celebration of Lagos’ culinary identity.
100 contestants. 100 stories. One extraordinary journey.
The Top 100 have officially stepped into the spotlight.
Now, the real journey begins.
