Community Spotlight: Ngwafu Tansie

Tell me a bit about yourself and your background.

My name is Ngwafu Tansie. I was born in Cameroon and raised in the UK. I’m a food activist, passionate about soul-conscious cooking and food education.

Can you tell me about your current career path and business?

I’m the founder and chef of GwafuVegan. We specialise in cooking and educating the community about affordable, plant-based West African food, using seasonal British produce. We do this through catering and events, cooking classes, and farm/forage-to-fork style supper clubs. One of our most loved offerings is our very tasty puff-puffs, West African-style doughnuts that you can order via our website and have delivered straight to your door.

What drives your passion and keeps you motivated in the hospitality industry?

What drives my passion is the ongoing journey of learning and sharing knowledge with the community about sustainability and conscious cooking. I love meeting new people and having conversations about improving food practices across the industry, especially in ways that are kind to the planet. I stay true to my values by running a plant-based business, using seasonal produce, and avoiding waste. It’s all about making sure we respect and fully use the food that’s been carefully grown and harvested.

Is there a particular moment or achievement in your career that you are most proud of?

Recently, I hosted a supper club in Manchester that focused entirely on produce grown and foraged locally. I collaborated with a local mushroom farm to grow mushrooms specifically for the dinner, and I also foraged and preserved ingredients from the area to use in the dishes. It was a lot of work, but it felt so rewarding. I’m extremely proud of what I created and the experience I offered to those who attended.

Have you faced any significant challenges in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Yes, challenges arise every day. The cost of living crisis, alongside rising food and energy prices, has made things even tougher. I’ve had to make difficult decisions to keep the lights on, pay the bills, and keep the business running. It’s a constant balancing act, but I remain committed and driven by purpose.

What does the future of hospitality look like to you?

For me, the future of hospitality should prioritise the well-being of people and the planet above profit. This means creating systems where businesses are supported with the funding and resources they need to thrive sustainably. Hospitality is a demanding industry with tight margins, so for it to truly flourish and remain a positive space to work in, it needs meaningful backing and change. I believe it’s possible, but we must act now.

Head over to GwafuVegan’s website and follow them on Instagram here.

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