Tolu Okojie, known as Chef TEE, is the founder of Greelz Inc., a culinary venture transforming Suya (a traditional West African grilled meat dish) and Afrofusion grills. Born in Lagos and hailing from Uromi, Edo State, Tolu brings his rich culinary heritage to life in Ontario, Canada.

With over 10 years of experience in the banking sector, Tolu transitioned to the culinary world, earning recognition as an award-winning chef. Recently honored by Ontario for his contributions to the multicultural culinary landscape, he is celebrated as a top Grill Master.

Chef TEE’s dishes are renowned for their captivating flavors and innovative twists. As a food content creator, he engages audiences with stories that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Afrofusion grills. Through Greelz Inc., Tolu continues to blend tradition and modernity, offering a unique culinary experience that delights and inspires.

He shares his story in this exclusive interview.

How did your childhood experiences influence your passion for cooking and the development of your unique style?

My childhood experiences played a significant role in shaping my passion for cooking and the development of my unique style. Growing up in a Nigerian household, food was not just sustenance; it was an integral part of our culture and family life. I remember the vibrant markets filled with fresh ingredients, the communal cooking sessions, and the joyful gatherings around the dining table. These early experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the flavours, aromas, and traditions of Nigerian cuisine.

When I moved to Canada, I began experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, blending traditional Nigerian flavours with modern culinary trends. This journey of exploration led to the development of my unique style, which is all about fusing authentic tastes with contemporary twists. At Greelz, we take pride in offering dishes that not only honor our rich culinary heritage but also introduce innovative and exciting elements.

Can you share the inspiration behind Greelz Inc. and your journey into the culinary world?

The inspiration behind Greelz Inc. comes from a deep love for Nigerian cuisine and a desire to share its rich, diverse flavors with the world. Growing up, food was always a central part of family gatherings and celebrations. I vividly remember the tantalizing aromas of suya and other traditional dishes filling the air, bringing everyone together. These moments ignited my passion for cooking and my appreciation for the power of food to connect people.

My journey into the culinary world started with humble beginnings. I initially pursued it lightly but it quickly evolved into a true calling. I trained rigorously, honing my skills and experimenting with traditional recipes to create something uniquely my own. This led to the birth of Greelz Inc., a fusion of authentic Nigerian flavors with modern culinary techniques.

At Greelz, our mission is to revolutionize how the world experiences suya and other Nigerian delicacies. We strive to provide an elevated dining experience that excites the palate and warms the heart. Whether it’s through our innovative suya wraps, mouth-watering burgers, or our classic dishes, we aim to deliver exceptional taste and unforgettable moments to our customers.

What sets Afrofusion grills apart from other grilling techniques, and how do you incorporate traditional elements into your dishes?

 Afrofusion grills stand out by blending traditional African flavors with contemporary culinary practices. At Greelz, we maintain the authenticity of Nigerian grilling while adding creative twists. Our signature Beef Suya, marinated in traditional spices like ground peanuts, ginger, garlic, and chili, exemplifies this blend. We honor our roots with authentic recipes, like our Suya Wings and Shrimp Suya, while also innovating with dishes like Suya Burgers and Suya Wraps. This unique approach preserves traditional flavors and introduces them to a broader audience in a fresh, exciting way.

Can you describe the process of creating a new dish at Greelz Inc.? What are the key factors you consider?

Creating a new dish at Greelz Inc. is a dynamic process that blends creativity, culinary expertise, and customer preferences. We draw inspiration from traditional Nigerian recipes, global trends, and personal experiences. Each dish is meticulously refined through experiments and taste tests to ensure perfect flavor, texture, and presentation.

Key factors include:

Flavor Profile: Bold, authentic Afrofusion flavors.

Ingredient Quality: High-quality, fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Cultural Relevance: Honoring Nigerian traditions while embracing innovation.

Customer Feedback: Incorporating customer preferences and opinions.

Visual Appeal: Designing visually enticing, Instagram-worthy plates.

After rigorous testing, our new dishes debut on the menu, showcasing our commitment to innovation and excellence in Afrofusion cuisine.

How do you balance innovation with tradition in your culinary creations, especially with a dish as iconic as Suya?

 At Greelz Inc., we balance innovation with tradition, especially for revered dishes like Suya. Suya, a cherished Nigerian dish, is deeply rooted in tradition. We honor its flavors and cultural significance while embracing creativity and evolution.

We start by understanding the essence of Suya and its traditional preparation methods, which ground us in authenticity. To innovate, we draw inspiration from global trends and modern techniques, reimagining classic ingredients and presentations. For instance, we experiment with different cuts of meat, spice blends, and creative serving styles, like Suya-infused burgers and wraps.

Our goal is to honor tradition while introducing new flavor experiences, ensuring each dish reflects Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage and invites exploration and discovery.

As a food content creator, how do you engage with your audience and what role does storytelling play in your content?

As a food content creator, I engage my audience by inviting them into a culinary journey filled with stories, emotions, and experiences. Storytelling is the secret ingredient that brings my content to life, forging connections and igniting passions around food.

I share more than just recipes or cooking tips; I weave narratives that resonate on a deeper level. Whether exploring a dish’s origins, sharing personal anecdotes, or highlighting cultural significance, storytelling adds richness and authenticity.

Storytelling transports my audience to different places and times, evoking emotions and sparking imaginations. It transforms ingredients into characters with their tales, fostering a community of food enthusiasts who actively participate in the culinary conversation.

Through storytelling, I aim to create meaningful connections and inspire a lifelong love of food, inviting my audience to join me on a gastronomic adventure filled with flavor, passion, and endless possibilities.

What challenges have you faced in revolutionizing traditional West African cuisine, and how have you overcome them?

Revolutionizing traditional West African cuisine comes with unique challenges, but each obstacle is an opportunity for growth. A major challenge is overcoming misconceptions and stereotypes about African cuisine’s complexity and appeal. Many people limit African cuisine to dishes like jollof rice or suya, overlooking its diverse flavors and techniques. Breaking these notions requires creativity, education, and challenging the status quo.

Balancing cultural authenticity with culinary evolution is also crucial. As a chef, I honor traditional recipes while infusing them with modern twists. This balance requires deep cultural understanding and a willingness to experiment. Sourcing authentic ingredients outside Africa can be tough, but building relationships with local suppliers and exploring alternatives helps maintain authenticity.

Collaboration and community-building are vital. Partnering with local farmers, artisans, and chefs allows me to source quality ingredients and showcase West African cuisine’s richness. Digital platforms and social media are also key in raising awareness and generating interest. Engaging content and storytelling connect me with food enthusiasts worldwide, debunking stereotypes and fostering an appreciation for West African flavors and heritage.

Ultimately, overcoming these challenges requires passion, perseverance, and a commitment to authenticity and innovation. By embracing these principles, we can elevate African culinary traditions globally while staying true to our roots.

Looking ahead, what are your future plans for Greelz Inc. and how do you envision the evolution of Afrofusion grills?

Looking ahead, my vision for Greelz Inc. is to continue pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation while staying true to our roots and heritage. I see Greelz becoming a leading authority in Afrofusion cuisine, known for its unique blend of traditional African flavors with contemporary culinary techniques.

One of our primary goals is to expand our reach and impact, both locally and internationally. We plan to open additional Greelz locations in key cities, bringing our Afrofusion grills to new communities and introducing more people to the rich and diverse flavors of West African cuisine.

In addition to brick-and-mortar establishments, we’re also exploring opportunities to expand our presence through food trucks, pop-up events, and collaborations with other food businesses. This mobile approach allows us to reach a wider audience and share the Greelz experience with people wherever they are.

Furthermore, I envision the evolution of Afrofusion grills as a dynamic and ever-changing culinary journey. We’ll continue to experiment with new ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible while staying true to the essence of West African cuisine.

Collaboration will be a key driver of our growth and innovation. We plan to partner with local farmers, artisans, and producers to source the freshest and most authentic ingredients, supporting sustainable practices and community development initiatives.

As we expand our menu and offerings, we’ll also prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the flavors of Afrofusion grills, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. This may involve developing new plant-based options, exploring gluten-free alternatives, and accommodating diverse culinary preferences.

Ultimately, the future of Greelz Inc. is bright and full of exciting possibilities. We’re committed to continuing our journey of culinary discovery, sharing the vibrant flavors and rich heritage of West African cuisine with the world, and shaping the future of Afrofusion grills for generations to come.

What has it been like running Greelz Inc. in Canada, and how has the Canadian market  responded to Afrofusion grills?

 Running Greelz Inc. in Canada has been an exhilarating journey filled with challenges, growth, and immense satisfaction. The Canadian market has responded to Afrofusion grills with a mixture of curiosity, excitement, and appreciation for the unique flavors and culinary experiences we offer.

One of the most rewarding aspects of operating Greelz Inc. in Canada is the opportunity to introduce Canadians to the rich and diverse flavors of West African cuisine. We’ve been met with open minds and adventurous palates, with many customers eager to explore new tastes and cultural experiences.

At the same time, we’ve encountered some challenges in navigating the Canadian market, including differences in food preferences, dietary habits, and culinary traditions. However, we’ve approached these challenges as opportunities for growth and adaptation, constantly refining our menu, customer experience, and marketing strategies to better resonate with Canadian consumers.

Overall, the response to Afrofusion grills in Canada has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve received praise for our bold flavors, innovative dishes, and commitment to quality and authenticity. Our customers appreciate the unique fusion of traditional African ingredients and cooking techniques with modern culinary trends, creating an experience that is both familiar and exciting.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to serving our Canadian community with delicious food, warm hospitality, and a taste of the vibrant culture and heritage of West Africa. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for Afrofusion grills with Canada and look forward to many more years of culinary exploration and celebration.

Who are some of the people who have inspired you on your culinary journey, and how have they  influenced your approach to cooking?

I’ve always been driven by my inner inspiration rather than external influences. I believe that true creativity comes from within, and many of my ideas stem from my imagination and dreams. However, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the vibrant and diverse culture of Africa, which has served as a constant wellspring of inspiration for my culinary creations.

While I didn’t have a traditional culinary mentor, I turned to resources like YouTube to hone my skills and techniques. I dedicated countless hours to studying cooking tutorials and experimenting in my kitchen, constantly pushing myself to learn and grow as a chef.

One pivotal moment in my culinary journey was a trip back to Nigeria, where I immersed myself in the rich culinary traditions of my homeland. It was there that I truly refined my skills in suya grilling, learning from local experts and mastering the art of crafting flavorful and authentic dishes.

Overall, my journey has been fueled by a passion for innovation and a deep-rooted connection to my African heritage. I draw inspiration from the sights, sounds, and flavors of Africa, infusing my dishes with a unique blend of tradition and creativity. It’s this unwavering passion and dedication that drives me forward and defines the culinary vision of Greelz Inc.