Meet Nkechi Funso Obika, of Naija Gourmet Stew, in Duluth, Georgia.
With its traditional blend of spices and fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onion, and habañero peppers, Naija Gourmet Stew is a celebration of Nigerian culture and cuisine.
“It all started when I was selected to cater the Taste of Africa event at Georgia Tech,” said Nkechi. “Students didn’t just enjoy [the stew] — they started placing bulk orders. It wasn’t just a dish anymore; it was a bridge between cultures. That realization inspired me to take a leap of faith. I decided to jar the stew so it could reach kitchens far beyond Georgia Tech, allowing families and food lovers everywhere to experience the essence of Nigerian cuisine.” Now, though participation in the Georgia Tech Food and Beverage Accelerator, she is scaling the business to reach even more customers.
