Final products - Taco platter, Finger clamp, Burger holder, Moin - moin packaging (left to right)

Gbéjà (Akara Burger Holder)

“Gbéjà” combines two Yoruba words, “gbé” (to carry) and “àjà” (a snack), implying something that is portable and ready-to-go. This holder transforms the popular akara into a convenient, mobile street-food format without stripping away its cultural roots. It speaks to the nature of presenting and eating the dish, while preserving the cultural authenticity of the food.

Ìbáṣepọ̀ Taco Tray (Taco Tray)

“Ìbáṣepọ̀” means ‘fellowship’ or ‘togetherness’ in Yoruba. This linear, extended taco tray is designed to reference the communal style of eating this Nigerian dish. Its linear form invites interaction, collective participation, and shared joy between people.

Ìkòkò Leaf Wrap (moin-moin packaging)

“Ìkòkò” is a Yoruba word that translates to ‘traditional cooking pot’, acknowledging both the cooking vessel and the act of preparation. This moin-moin packaging mimics the act of wrapping and unwrapping moin-moin in leaves. It invites users to peel, unfold, and engage with their food as they would in a Nigerian home through the packaging.

Àfikún finger clamp

“Àfikún” means “to add” or “enhance” in Yoruba. This eating utensil is designed for individuals unfamiliar or hesitant about eating with their hands, offering a respectful way to engage in the tactile tradition of hand-eating as is done in Nigeria with this dish. It imitates the natural gesture while maintaining hygiene and comfort, thereby serving as a bridge into Nigerian dining culture.

Historically, assimilation has been the expectation for immigrants in many countries. This notion implies that immigrants would eventually abandon their distinct cultural practices and fully adopt the language, values, and customs of their new home.

This thesis set out to reimagine the existing frameworks of assimilation by leveraging food as a relational medium; one that can be used to facilitate cultural exchange without demanding cultural compromise. Rather than treating food as the subject, it is adopted as a tool to explore broader questions of identity, belonging, and assimilation.

Based on the philosophy of Ubuntu, the project challenges the existing framework as assimilation as a one-sided process, and instead proposes a model rooted in mutual recognition, cultural authenticity, and reciprocal engagement.

"As communities evolve, integration becomes a shared journey, one where both immigrants and host communities learn from one another."

"Assimilation is a two-way street."

'It’s on both the ‘natives’ and the ‘migrants’ to integrate a little.

Previous

Design & Development - Phase 2