Our Story

People, gathered around the table

Every seating at NNIPA begins as a meeting of people and purpose, where modern African craft and fine-dining intention converge within the space. From the first night the flames rose, the room was imagined as a living story – someone hungry, someone cooking, and a space that comes alive in between.

The inspiration

Why NNIPA?

NNIPA exists to build a culinary legacy rooted in Ghanaian and wider African identity while elevating a new style of African cuisine to an international fine-dining standard. The ambition is not only to serve beautiful food, but to position our cuisine among the world's great culinary traditions and make NNIPA a global food destination in Accra.

Food

Modern, disciplined culinary mastery that reimagines local ingredients into Afrique Moderne plates where every dish expresses technique, story and intention

Culture

A gathering place for the curious, culturally engaged and pioneering minds, converging in Accra

The mark

An abstraction of the nipa fruit

The NNIPA mark is a geometric abstraction of the nipa fruit, also known as kola nut. Each hexagonal cell represents an individual — distinct, but inseparable from the whole. Together, the cells form the characteristic oval of the fruit.

Executive chef

Wandile Mabaso

Chef Wandile Mabaso, a qualified culinary artist, has almost 2 decades of experience in culinary arts. From his internship on a luxury boat in Italy to working at renowned 2- and 3-star restaurants in New York and France, Chef Wandile’s worldclass palate is a result of his world travels and mentorships under Michelin star chefs. His culinary talents led to him being part of the winning duo of two Michelin stars at Le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Paris in 2016.

In 2022 Chef Wandile was named one of the top 10 chefs in South Africa. His style of cooking is often described as a “flavorful fusion” of traditional African flavors and classical French techniques. Chef Wandile believes his legacy is to create food that is rooted in centuries of culinary traditions while paying homage to his culture and country, South Africa.

"Warm enough to make you feel expected. Confident enough not to explain itself. Ghanaian enough to mean it."

The NNIPA voice