Chef Ette Assam is a Nigerian celebrity grill master who has over 22 years of experience in the business of grilling. He is the Chief Executive Officer of 8tte’s Barbeque and Cocktail, a catering service that specializes in grilled meals and cocktails. He is also a fellow of the American Barbecue Association and an expert rotisseur.
Chef Ette Assam started his grilling career in 2001, when he was an undergraduate of Linguistics at the University of Calabar. He learned how to make chicken and chips from a friend’s elder brother, who inspired him with his success story. He began grilling at parties and in front of his hostel, making enough money to support himself and his family. He later moved to the United States, where he formed a group called The Africa Review, which showcased the beauty and diversity of African culture through food and music. He returned to Nigeria in 1986 and continued his grilling passion in Calabar, where he established his catering business.
Chef Ette Assam has catered to the creme de la creme of both the Nigerian and international society, as well as high profile events. He has featured as a celebrity guest in the Seasons 4 and 7 editions of Big Brother Nigeria (BBN), and was a judge in the recently concluded Street Foodz Naija reality TV show. He has also grilled for celebrities such as Wole Soyinka, Ola Balogun, Demas Nwoko, and many others. He is known for his mastery and promotion of Nigerian cuisine, especially the street food culture. He has grilled everything except human being, as he jokingly said in an interview.
Chef Ette Assam is a father of seven children and a grandfather of many. He lives by the philosophy of being true to oneself and one’s art. He is passionate about educating and inspiring the younger generation of grillers and preserving the legacy of Nigerian food. He is a recipient of many awards and honors, such as the Grill Master of the Year, the Best Street Food Vendor, and the Most Innovative Chef. He is currently working on his debut book, which will document his journey and insights on elevating Nigerian food to a global delicacy. He is a living legend and a national pride.