As Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality industries continue to grow, many have embraced cooking not only as a passion but also as a sustainable profession. Among them stands Ramadhan Sindayigaya, popularly known as Chef Rama, one of Rwanda’s finest chefs making a mark both locally and internationally. On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the East Africa University Rwanda (EAUR) hosted the “Culinary Arts” event, a celebration of culinary professionals. Speaking during the event, Chef Rama reflected on his journey: “Cooking has been half of my life it’s what I owe everything I have today.” He emphasized tha

As Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality industries continue to grow, many have embraced cooking not only as a passion but also as a sustainable profession. Among them stands Ramadhan Sindayigaya, popularly known as Chef Rama, one of Rwanda’s finest chefs making a mark both locally and internationally.

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the East Africa University Rwanda (EAUR) hosted the “Culinary Arts” event, a celebration of culinary professionals. Speaking during the event, Chef Rama reflected on his journey:

“Cooking has been half of my life it’s what I owe everything I have today.”

He emphasized that cooking is not a fallback option but a respected, profitable career:

“When you talk about cooking, you talk about preparing clean, quality meals that meet modern standards. It’s a profession that feeds families, creates jobs, and brings financial stability.”

Chef Rama studied Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida Atlantic University and Mediterranean Food & Diet at the University of Athens. He has worked in prestigious hotels including Kigali Marriott, Serena, and Shelton Hotel, Before joining Griffith Foods an American with headquarters in Chicago.

In 2018, he became the first Rwandan to win the Gorilla Highlands Silverchef Award, and co-authored Rwanda’s first cookbook celebrating traditional cuisine. Currently, he serves as a FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Ambassador and a key member of the Rwanda Chefs Association (RCA).

Chef Rama urges young Rwandans to value cooking as an art and a source of national pride: “Cooking isn’t just about food — it’s about creating life.”

A little more informed. A little more connected.