February is Black History & African Heritage Month, and At Real Food For Real Kids, we draw inspiration for our culturally-diverse menus from chefs who pour their heritage & creativity into every plate. Today we’re featuring some talented Black Canadian chefs who proudly celebrate their roots and tell stories through dynamic flavour. They bring so much to Canada’s culinary landscape, and their work is worth experiencing year round.
Tre Sanderson made history as the first Black chef to win Top Chef Canada, impressing audiences as one of the youngest contestants of his season. Known for bold, Caribbean-inspired plates like escovitch-style fish, spiced meats, and inventive desserts, he’s also been named to Food Service and Hospitality Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30 and received the 2023 Culinary Award of Excellence from Restaurant Canada.
Toronto chef Rachel Adjei is the force behind The Abibiman Project, a culinary social enterprise celebrating African flavours. From spice blends and artisanal chocolates to teas, sauces, and hands-on pop-ups, her work invites people to taste traditions rooted in culture and history. Recognized in Canada’s Top 30 Under 30 in Hospitality 2021, Adjei often channels profits into food security initiatives like Afri-can Food Basket.
Asha Wheeldon is a food maker & storyteller, and the founder of Kula Foods, a plant-based and gluten-free brand that began sprouting in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2018. Raised in Kenya, her journey took her through Toronto before landing on the West Coast, where she searched for flavours and food spaces that felt like home. Today, Kula Foods brings her background to life through products like Red Pepper BBQ Sauce, a berbere spice blend (an Ethiopian blend featuring ginger, cardamom, and chiles), along with bowls & ready meals built around plant-based proteins.
kids books celebrating Black History Month:
We’re also excited to share our collection of beautiful kids’ books that celebrate the cultural significance of food in Black communities, and the powerful role family traditions play in shaping how kids connect with food. This growing collection offers nine meaningful stories to enjoy together as a family—perfect for Black History Month, or to return to all year long.
- Click here for our favourite kids’ books honouring Black History Month: 2025.
- Click here for our favourite kids’ books honouring Black History Month: 2024.
more to explore:
Did we miss a chef who inspires you? Or a book you loved sharing with your family? We’d love to hear your thoughts!