We caught up with Tunde at the Truro Food Festival to discover the tastes of Nigerian Suya.
From hosting Nigerian-themed dinner parties at university to becoming London’s go-to suya specialist, the Suyaman – Babatunde Tejumola has now brought his African food revolution to Cornwall. Follow @suyamanuk on Instagram for dates for his pop-ups, collaborations, and festival appearances this year.
A Journey Born in His Mother’s Kitchen
Babatunde Tejumola, known as Tunde or TJ to his friends, is a pharmacist outside the kitchen whose food journey started at a young age in his mum’s kitchen in Nigeria. At primary school, he was fascinated by their chef, spending hours watching the magic unfold – from beef stroganoff to homemade ketchup. By 12, he was trusted with his mother’s kitchen, and a passion was ignited.
At university in the UK, Tunde would host Nigerian-themed dinner parties, getting everyone to wear traditional Nigerian clothes and play Fela Kuti. He loved seeing his friends’ reactions to discovering the cuisine and enjoying the night. This passion led to the birth of Suyaman in March 2019, starting with his Nigeria Nights supper clubs that became an instant success.
The Heart of Suya
Suya is more than just a dish – it’s a cultural experience. Historical evidence suggests that across Africa, suya originated from pastoral nomads – West African Fulani and Hausa, from Cameroon to Niger and parts of Sudan. It’s thought suya was created when people sat around campfires, cooking grilled meats skewered through swords and daggers.
The spice itself is nutty with a smoky aroma, traditionally used to marinate meats for several hours before grilling. But what makes it truly special is the atmosphere. In the evenings, the suya spots really come alive where you’re guaranteed to meet people from all walks of life, queuing at the open-flamed shop – it’s a delicacy that cuts across all social strata.
As Tunde himself puts it: nothing beats the taste of suya from a Suyaman (a suya seller), also called Mallams – men skilled in the art and spice of meat preservation and preparation. They expertly slice and grill on street corners, blinking away the smoke from their eyes.
A Pharmacist’s Approach to Flavour
What sets Suyaman apart is Tunde’s unique background. As a pharmacist by trade, he wanted to take his passion for food to the next level, fusing indigenous ingredients and European cooking methods using some pharmacy techniques and food experience from his travels around Europe. The result? Dishes that honour authentic Nigerian cuisine while showcasing the quality of fresh local produce.
Cornwall’s New Chapter
After building a loyal following across London’s food markets and pop-up scene, Tunde moved to Cornwall in 2025. Now, he’s bringing that same energy and authenticity to the Cornish food festival circuit, with collaborations, events, and pop-ups already in the diary.
We caught up with Tunde at the Truro Food Festival to talk about his journey from his mother’s Nigerian kitchen to becoming a beloved figure in London’s food scene, what inspired the move to Cornwall, and his mission to take Nigerian cuisine to where the party is at, while celebrating Africa’s arts and culture.
Discover the stories behind suya’s ancient origins, why Tunde believes Nigerian street food deserves its place at the heart of British dining culture, and what’s coming next as he establishes Suyaman in Cornwall’s vibrant food landscape.
Follow @suyamanuk on Instagram for updates on pop-ups, collaborations, and festival appearances.
Also featured:
Beach House
Kelp Canteen
The Secret List guide is part of how we create exceptional experiences for guests staying in our Cornwall Airbnb collection. We’re Cornwall’s Airbnb management experts. Learn more >