Creating Unique Dining Experiences At Home with FT

With Lamuren, Funmilade Taiwo, popularly known as FT, is on a mission to elevate Nigerian cuisine in Canada. Lamuren offers a contemporary dining experience that combines Nigerian flavors with a modern twist, drawing inspiration from FT’s background and diverse culinary experiences. In our recent conversation, FT shared his journey from cooking for friends to hosting pop-up dining experiences, redefining Nigerian cuisine along the way.

From Family Cooking to Supper Clubs

Growing up in a family of talented cooks, FT’s love for food started at home. Cooking was a family affair, with everyone contributing their unique touch to the table. This early exposure shaped FT’s culinary style and sparked his interest in sharing Nigerian flavors with a wider audience. “Food is food, man,” he says, explaining his belief in blending traditional dishes with international flavors to create something fresh and exciting.

When FT moved to Canada at 13, he brought his love for cooking with him. His first experience in a professional kitchen came during his university years, working in a campus pub. Though the menu was simple, FT enjoyed the experience, and it inspired him to explore cooking as a career. After graduation, he honed his skills by working part-time in various kitchens. Eventually, he realized he wanted to bring Nigerian flavors to the forefront, and Lamuren was born.

At the core of Lamuren are FT’s pop-up events and supper clubs, where guests can experience Nigerian cuisine in a new way. These intimate gatherings allow him to experiment with recipes and share the culture behind each dish. FT sees these events as a space for both creativity and connection. “When people come on their own, it’s like they’re taking a chance on food they may not have tried before, and by the end, they’re exchanging socials,” he says.

Each supper club is carefully curated, from the dishes to the atmosphere. FT believes in the power of storytelling to break down initial barriers. “Storytelling does a lot to shift people’s perceptions,” he explains. For example, his take on banga risotto—a reimagined version of the traditional Nigerian banga rice dish—incorporates familiar ingredients with new textures and flavors. “It’s not your traditional banga,” he admits. But through storytelling, he helps guests appreciate the different elements, encouraging them to embrace the unexpected.

Building Community Through Unique Dining Experiences

FT’s dishes often surprise guests with their presentation and complexity. From textured garnishes to layered flavors, each plate is crafted to engage all the senses. “You eat with your eyes first,” he explains. The visuals, taste, and even the textures are all carefully considered to create a complete dining experience. Dishes may feature unconventional elements like plantain purees or pickled chilies, which add both flavor and texture. FT describes his process as “bringing multiple components together” to elevate Nigerian flavors.

But FT doesn’t want Lamuren to be limited by labels like “fine dining.” He prefers to call it “unique dining,” blending Nigerian, Italian, Latin American, and other influences to create something uniquely his own. “Toronto’s food scene is so diverse,” he says. “A dish may have an Italian touch, a Latin American twist, or a bit of Asian influence, depending on my inspiration.”

FT’s goal with Lamuren is about more than just introducing new flavors—it’s about building community. Toronto can be a “loud but lonely place,” as he puts it, and Lamuren offers a space for people to connect. “I love seeing people who come alone leave with new friends,” he says. By the end of each supper club, guests often find common ground, bonding over shared experiences and love for food. This sense of belonging is what makes Lamuren special.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Lamuren

As FT looks to the future, he envisions a permanent space for Lamuren, where he can continue to experiment and host more guests. He believes Toronto is ready for experimental West African food, pointing to places like London and New York, where African cuisines have flourished. “Toronto may be a few years behind, but the demand is growing,” he says. With every dish, he’s not only redefining Nigerian cuisine but also building a community that values connection, curiosity, and innovation.

Stay updated with Lamuren’s latest pop-ups and supper clubs by following them on Instagram @lamureninc and joining their mailing list for exclusive event announcements.