ABENA ANIM-SOMUAH
ENTREPRENEUR
August 2024
Meet Abena: James Beard Award recipient, podcast host and entrepreneur. What can’t Abena do? Cause Abena is doing it all. This global-traveller dynamo uses food as the medium to build community and inspire storytelling. Whether behind the mic with her Cherry Bombe podcast ‘The Future of Food is You’ or helming The Eden Place—her food-focused community series, Abena is undoubtedly the future of food and truly, our friend in food. Let’s catch up with Abena, shall we?
Follow Abena @abenaanimsomuah
Who are you?
Abena Anim-Somuah! I'm a proud Canadian-Ghanaian writer, podcast host, and entrepreneur! I'm also a doting friend, proud sister, loving partner, daughter, and step-mom to a cute ragdoll named Vito <3.
What’s on your mind?
1) The Olympics, I love seeing national pride, incredible feats, fashionable fits, and beautiful sports all come together.
2) The impending global suffering, from the devastation in Gaza to the plight in Congo. As well as the fact that 50% of the world is voting + the state of global democracy.
3) Workin' on the second round of edits for my book proposal! (It's always on my mind)
Where are you right now?
In my beautifully lit apartment in Mexico City!
Who are your heroes?
My parents - they have sacrificed so much + poured so much into my siblings and I.
Kerry Diamond—for seeing talents in me + giving me the opportunity of a lifetime getting to interview impressive talents in the food world.
Alice Waters—for pioneering an appreciation for seasonal farm produce + educating future generations to love it.
Dr. Jessica B. Harris + Toni Tipton-Martin—two power-houses who have paved the way in sharing nuanced + beautifully written works on Black food!
Why do you do what you do?
Food has always been important to me. I'm a natural conversationalist, have a deep curiosity for things, and also have come to see food's power as a means to foster community, appreciate culture and honour tradition. I do this work (writing, podcasting, building businesses) because I believe that the more stories we hear and the more ways we can connect with others through food, the world can become a better place.
What is your favorite thing to drink?
[couldn't just pick one, so here are a few!]
→ an oat milk latte w/ muscovado sugar
→ iced hibiscus tea (my mom makes it every summer with ginger + pineapple)
→ a really frothy corajillo after a long lunch!
What is your favorite thing to eat?
[such a tough question! I'll pick three]
→ roast pork fried rice from Wu's Wonton King
→ a hearty salad filled with mixed greens, crunchy toppings, and well-seasoned protein!
→ a juicy smashburger like the Smokehouse from Shake Shack!
When are you most happy?
Surrounded by my loved ones, ideally around a dining table bonding over great food, refreshing drinks, and wholesome conversation.
Wise Words
→ You are only needy as your neediest needs.
→ Comparison is the thief of JOY!
→ Work hard, learn lots, and make everyday an exceptional day!
→ Trust the timing of your life!
→ Rejection is redirection: sometimes No's can be Not Now's.
→ Don't forget to tell the people in your life how much you love them.