Popular Nigerian food critic Opeyemi Famakin has revealed that his passion for food started in childhood, saying his mother took him and his siblings to 12 different countries simply to experience different cuisines.
Speaking during a recent interview on the Joey Akpan podcast, Famakin said his mother inherited her love for food from her own father and made traveling for culinary experiences a family tradition. He noted that while all three children accompanied her on the trips, he was the one who truly developed an interest in food.
In his words, “My mom was a foodie, her father was a foodie, so I grew up traveling to different countries for food. With my parents, I’ve been to 12 countries because my mom loved food and would take us there. Out of the three kids, I was the one that genuinely followed her interest.”
Famakin also explained that becoming a food content creator was never part of a grand plan, saying he simply enjoyed talking about food long before he became popular.
According to him, “There was no grand plan, no plan to blow, no plan to be an influencer. I was just that guy that liked talking about food, and over time, things happened.”
His revelation has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
@Anderson Osasu Clifford wrote, “Hmmm, the monkey that wears a necktie cannot fry clouds with a flashlight behind the post office, and never argue with a banana that drives a helicopter to the bakery for engine oil 😏”
@Solomon Chukwudi Ogbonna commented, “It’s so cool giving your child the life you never got.”
@Elisha Garba wrote, “Hmmm abeg just send one plate of rice and Turkey for this ends.”
@Grace Iwuagwu reacted, “After going to 12 countries as a child, he ended up as a food critic in Nigeria, analyzing food and perfumes. He try well well.”
@Dexter Bridals commented, “Congratulations 👏.”
@Jide Adigun wrote, “I sha know say poor man pikin no fit be food critic sha.”
@Loveth Chu’biyo reacted, “😌😌😌God for him.”
@Xaviour Brown commented, “Ur own better, my own mama na different party she dey take us to win prizes in dancing competitions.”
@Kel Vin wrote, “No way for poor people. Chai poor man pikin no fit relate😔😔😔.”
@Freedom Okezie simply commented, “Lies.”