By Honorary Reporter Favour Oluwaferanmi Ojeniyi from Nigeria
Photos = Deborah Olabelurin

Deborah Olabelurin, who in April last year with her teammate won a traditional Korean cooking contest hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria, has launched Namisoul, a brand of Korean-Nigerian fusion food in Jan. 31, 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Recognizing that the flavor of Korean food felt unfamiliar to Nigerians, Olabelurin tinkered with Korean food to make it more accessible to her people. She experimented with jang (sauce) and core ingredients while introducing Nigerian flavor influences to create Korean-style dishes appealing to Nigerians.

She said representing Nigeria and Africa at last year's Namdo Culinary Expo in Korea further expanded her vision.

In an email interview on March 1, she discussed the meaning of her brand as well as her inspirations and plans.

How did you select your brand's name and what does it represent?

Namisoul represents identity, emotion and the fusion of both worlds. "Nami" reflects my connection to Korean culture and the experiences that shaped my culinary journey, while "soul" represents emotion, memory and the warmth that food carries.

Which dishes best capture the spirit of your brand and why?

I would say kimchi Ofada and doenjang (soybean paste) pepper soup because they fully express both worlds from the very first bite. Kimchi ofada brings together the bold, fermented depth of kimchi with the earthy richness of Nigeria's native Ofada rice, while the soup reimagines a familiar Nigerian comfort dish through the umami complexity of doenjang. They represent what Namisoul stands for: two cultures meeting in a surprising yet natural way.

Kimchi Ofada

What challenges did you face in launching your brand?

One of the biggest challenges was funding. Korean-Nigerian fusion is something people don't easily understand until they experience it. So I couldn't rely on immediate external support, and I decided to fund it myself through my salary at my day job. I focused on building gradually, testing recipes, documenting the process and sharing the story.

Doenjang pepper soup topped with cold noodles

How can your brand contribute to cultural exchanges between Korea and Nigeria?

Food has a way of creating understanding without words. Through my work, I want Nigerians to experience Korean culture in a relatable way and for Koreans to see how their cuisine can inspire new expressions worldwide. I want it to open dialogue, collaboration and opportunity that bring both cultures closer together.

Potato veggie

What has surprised you most about reactions to your food?

It's how open and curious people are once they try it. At first, people hesitate when it comes to unfamiliar foods. But once they taste it, there is excitement and connection. They begin to see that food doesn't have to stay within borders; it can evolve and adapt but remain meaningful. Seeing that reaction reminds me why I started.

What are your plans for your brand?

I want Namisoul to become part of a broader culinary movement emerging in Nigeria. I will host curated pop-ups and tasting events to introduce my fusion dishes. I'm also developing original recipes that could evolve into commercial food products to expand the brand.

jcy0531@korea.kr

*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.