Producer Spotlight of the Day: Selassie Atadika

Selassie Atadika

Selassie Atadika is a renowned Ghanaian chef, educator, and founder of Midunu, a culinary lifestyle company based in Accra, Ghana. She is widely recognized for her work in advancing 'New African Cuisine,' a movement that celebrates the continent's culinary heritage through sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and storytelling.

Background

Born in Ghana and raised in the United States, Atadika's interest in food began in her mother's kitchen. Before pursuing a professional culinary career, she earned a bachelor's degree in geography and environmental studies from Dartmouth College and a master's degree in international affairs from Columbia University. She spent over a decade working for the United Nations in humanitarian and development roles, which took her to more than 40 African countries. This extensive travel allowed her to explore diverse food systems and indigenous ingredients. She later formalized her culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America and co-founded Trio Toque, the first nomadic restaurant in Dakar, Senegal.

Signature Work

In 2014, Atadika returned to Ghana to launch Midunu, which means 'come let's eat' in the Ewe language. Midunu is best known for its nomadic dining experiences that move across different locations in Accra to foster community and connection. Beyond her dining concepts, she founded Midunu Chocolates, an artisanal brand that crafts chocolates using Ghanaian cocoa and indigenous African spices. Her work emphasizes the importance of value-at-origin, ensuring that the economic benefits of cocoa production remain within the local community.

Philosophy

Atadika’s approach to food is rooted in the belief that cuisine is a system, a cycle, and a story. She advocates for 'New African Cuisine,' which prioritizes sustainability, the use of underutilized indigenous ingredients, and the preservation of traditional foodways. Her philosophy centers on the idea that food is a powerful tool for social change, environmental stewardship, and cultural connection.

Recognition

Atadika has received significant international acclaim for her contributions to the culinary world. She was named one of the 'Plant Forward Top 50' chefs by the EAT Forum and the Culinary Institute of America. In 2025, she was honored with a TIME Earth Award for her work at the intersection of food systems, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Her chocolate creations have also earned multiple honors, including awards at the Chocolate Alliance Awards in 2021 and 2022.

Signature Recipe

Adwoa Spiced Hot Chocolate

A rich, sultry, and flavorful drinking chocolate infused with traditional African spices, perfect for a comforting and sophisticated treat.

Prep time: 5 min | Cook time: 10 min | Total time: 15 min | Yield: 2 servings | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 250 ml whole milk or plant-based milk
• 100 g high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until it begins to steam, being careful not to let it boil.
2. Add the chopped dark chocolate to the milk, whisking continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and sea salt.
4. Continue to whisk for another 2–3 minutes to allow the spices to infuse and the mixture to thicken slightly.
5. Remove from heat and pour into mugs while hot.

Notes

Serve immediately. For an extra touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a light dusting of cocoa powder. This drink pairs well with shortbread cookies or fresh fruit.