When you first meet Mama Naasira, whether in person or over the phone, you can’t help but be captivated by her radiant, exuberant personality. She exudes a passion for what she does, and it’s infectious. Her mission is to redefine plant-based eating in The Gambia, one delicious meal at a time.

Mama Naasira lives what she teaches. She has embraced a vegan lifestyle, not just as a diet but as a philosophy of health, wellness, and sustainability. With her, food isn’t just about sustenance—it’s about knowledge, transformation, and sharing the journey with others.

A Life-Changing Journey to Veganism

Today, Mama Naasira is a vegan, but that wasn’t always the case. Growing up in California, she ate typical American meals without giving much thought to the ingredients. But everything changed when she was working as a phlebotomist and accidentally pricked her finger, contracting Hepatitis B.

Her illness was a wake-up call and she realized she needed to take control of her health. So she immersed herself in researching the power of food to heal. She embraced whole, natural foods—fruits, vegetables, herbs, and oils—discovering their healing properties.

But there was a problem: She couldn’t find the quality food she wanted. So, she started making natural, whole-food meals herself.

As she transformed her diet, she began to feel better. Her skin glowed, her energy soared, and people around her noticed. Soon, they were asking for recipes, meal plans, and even catering.

Encouraged by their enthusiasm, she started offering cooking demonstrations, writing down recipes in a notebook that would later become a cookbook.

Bringing Vegan Cuisine to The Gambia

By then, she had met and married Dr. Gregory Joe Bledsoe, a kindred spirit who shared her passion for health and wellness. Together, they wrote and published a best-selling cookbook, Spicy Tasty Vegan Cuisine: An Informative Health Guide for the Melaninated (People of Color), and decided to take their mission global. In 2016, they packed up their lives and moved to The Gambia. Two years later, they launched Spicy Tasty Vegan Cuisine Institute, a one-of-a-kind institute dedicated to training future chefs in plant-based cooking and integrating vegan recipes into traditional Gambian cuisine.

Since its inception, the Spicy Tasty Vegan Cuisine Institute has trained many chefs and awarded 40 certificates, some for 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and advanced training in vegan cooking. And here’s the more — they actually pay some of their trainees to learn. That’s how committed they are to spreading knowledge and healthy eating.

A Restaurant That Feels Like Home

One of the standout features of the Spicy Tasty Vegan Cuisine Institute is The Homestaurant—a dining experience where guests feel like they’re eating in a warm, welcoming home. With just six chefs, the restaurant creates dishes that are not only delicious but also healthy. Many of the ingredients come straight from their own organic garden, where they grow kale, sweet potatoes, ginger, broccoli sprouts, cilantro, sour sop and moringa trees, bell peppers, and a variety of herbs. What they don’t grow themselves, they source from trusted local farmers or known suppliers in the UK.

The restaurant seats up to 15 guests and offers an immersive culinary experience. Locals and visitors enjoy the food, and word has spread beyond The Gambia. Among the most popular dishes? According to Mama Naasira, “Bean stew, vegan lasagna, bean and beet burgers, and my unique vegetable stew that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with healing goodness.”

More Than Just a Meal—An Experience

Dining at the Spicy Tasty Vegan Homestaurant is about more than just food—it’s about connection. Visitors engage in lively, insightful conversations with Mama Naasira and Dr. Joe, learning not only about veganism but also about local culture and wellness.

For those eager to take their experience a step further, the Institute offers hands-on vegan cooking lessons and a more formal certificate training program. It’s the perfect stop for culinary visitors seeking to explore West Africa’s plant-based flavors. And if one meal isn’t enough? There’s even a guest room available for booking, for a solo traveler or a party of two who want an extended stay to learn more about the vegan lifestyle. Of course, travelers can also stay in nearby hotels.

What Makes Naasira Ageela, aka Mama Naasira Special?

What sets Mama Naasira apart isn’t just her expertise—it’s her authenticity. She lives what she teaches, and it shows. Her youthful appearance and boundless energy are testaments to the power of plant-based eating. She’s generous with her knowledge, constantly learning, and always sharing.

Her impact extends beyond The Gambia. Through workshops, cooking demonstrations, and social media, she’s inspiring people worldwide to embrace a healthier way of living.

Visit Spicy Tasty Vegan Cuisine Institute and Homestaurant in The Gambia

If you find yourself in The Gambia—about 35 minutes from Banjul—make sure to stop by Spicy Tasty Vegan Cuisine Institute and Homestaurant]. Just ask around near the traffic light; it’s a well-known spot, and you’ll be pointed in the right direction.

Mama Naasira and Dr. Joe will welcome you with open arms and warm smiles. They are a powerhouse duo in the vegan food scene, offering something truly special: simple, authentic, and nourishing cuisine, served with love.

Connect with Mama Naasira and Dr. Joe

Want to learn more? Check out their YouTube channel for cooking lessons, health tips, and more. You can also reach out to them for visits, speaking engagements, cooking demonstrations, and chef training programs.

Email: info@spicytastyvegan.com
Call: +1 510-851-2155
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spicytastyvegan/

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Final Thoughts

Mama Naasira’s journey is a powerful reminder that food is more than just fuel—it’s a path to healing, community, and joy. If you’re a traveler looking for an unforgettable cultural and culinary experience, The Gambia and Spicy Tasty Vegan Cuisine Institute and Homestaurant should be on your list. Whether you come for a meal, a cooking lesson, or an extended stay, one thing is certain: You’ll leave inspired.