VN – 15 Mar, 2025

We found this 1993 episode of A Taste of Africa featuring the ever-fabulous Dorinda Hafner. I remember watching this when it came out and being completely in awe. Seeing a Black African woman fronting a series on mainstream British TV (Channel 4), all about African food and culture, was truly trailblaizing. Dorinda Hafner's infectious curiosity, playful humour, and knowledge are still a joy to witness.

Hafner presents a vision of African food that is abundant, indigenous, and healthy. This is in stark contrast to still prevailing ideas of Black diets being lacking, impoverished, and unhealthy. I don't think this series has been surpassed. Someone, please, prove me wrong!

It is inspiring to see Dorinda Hafner's legacy continue in the work of younger Black food heroes like Riaz Phillips, Zoe Adjonyoh, and Abena Offeh Gyimah. Onwards!