Fatou J-Secka
Chef & Founder of Chiin Kumba
My passion for food and hospitality began at home, where my first teacher was my mother. She was an exceptional cook and a remarkable hostess whose warmth, generosity, and attention to detail made everyone feel welcome. Watching her prepare meals and open our home to family, friends,and guests taught me that hospitality is about much more than serving food—it is about bringing people together, creating connections, and making people feel valued and cared for.
Inspired by these values, I pursued qualifications in hospitality and built a career spanning more than 15 years in catering and events. I have created dining experiences for weddings, traditional ceremonies, corporate events private events, private celebrations and community gatherings
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with people from diverse background and cultures.
Alongside my work as a chef, I am passionate about promoting healthy eating and wellbeing. I believe food should not only bring people together but also nourish the body and support a healthier lifestyle.
Gambian roots, refined for modern living
Who We Are
Chiin Kumba is a Gambian-rooted food and lifestyle brand bringing the flavours, traditions and creativity of our heritage into modern living.
Founded by Fatou Jeng Secka, we create food, drinks, cooking experiences, gifts, kitchen and dining lifestyle products inspired by Gambian and SeneGambian culture.
Our work is more than what we make. It is about sharing the warmth of our hospitality, celebrating the traditions that have shaped us, and creating new ways for people to experience and connect with our culture
What We Do
Food is at the heart of what we do, bringing together hospitality and lifestyle through a growing range of services, experiences and products. From bespoke catering for corporate events, private celebrations and special occasions to intimate private dining.
We create experiences shaped around good food and thoughtful hospitality.
Our offering extends beyond catering through ready-to-cook foods and the development of our own food products, making our flavours more accessible for everyday enjoyment. We also share our knowledge and love of food through cooking classes, demonstrations and group culinary experiences.
fting and hampers, together with our kitchen and dining collection, complete an offering designed for individuals, families, businesses and special occasions.
The Story of Chiin Kumba
Chiin Kumba is a Wolof word from the Sene-Gambian region of West Africa. Chiin means cooking pot, while Kumba represents the woman who nourishes, welcomes and brings people together.
The cooking potis more than a Kitchen utensil. It holds memories, knowledge and traditions passed from one generation to the next. Every woman brings her own experience and personal touch to her cooking, which is why every pot tastes different.
Chiin Kumba celebrates the woman, her pot and the warmth of Gambian hospitality, bringing this rich heritage into modern living.
More Than a Cooking Pot!
Tfaditionally, soot collected from beneath the pot was used to make Daa, an ink used by Quranic students to write lessons on wooden boards called Aluwa.
Every woman is Kumba. Every pot tastes different.
