First, why do you call yourself Lapiro?

I adopted the pseudonym Lapiro because Lapiro is my all-time favorite musician. It’s a tribute to an artist whose work deeply resonates with me. While that’s my public persona in the culinary world, my given name is Denis.

Who taught you to cook?

Interestingly, no one explicitly taught me how to cook in a formal sense. My culinary education began simply by observing my mother in the kitchen. She was a stay-at-home mom who prepared two fresh meals every single day, and I was always by her side, often tasked with peeling the wrappers off Maggi cubes – a job I eagerly performed because I loved to eat the wrap afterward! Those early moments, filled with the aromas and sounds of her cooking, cultivated a profound love and attachment for food and the art of preparing it. My mother’s consistent dedication to home-cooked meals undeniably played a monumental role in shaping my culinary journey and igniting my passion.

At what age did you begin cooking?

I started actively participating in cooking when I was about nine years old, which was around Class 6 in primary school. My mother would prepare the flavorful groundnut soup, and my responsibility was to perfectly boil the rice. In our household, we exclusively ate Ndop rice – perhaps it was because I was born in Ndop, or simply a family tradition. Those familiar with Ndop rice will know it demands a particular skill to cook properly; without it, you risk ending up with something closer to fufu than perfectly fluffy grains. Mastering that rice was one of my earliest culinary triumphs.

The true turning point came when I was eleven, entering Form One of secondary school. I had to leave my village to attend school and moved in with my uncle. It was just my uncle, my cousin, and me at home. We established a simple division of labor: I would handle all the cooking, and my uncle would take care of the cleaning. This arrangement became my informal culinary academy. Through daily practice and experimentation, I gradually learned to prepare a vast array of dishes, from basic staples to more complex meals, effectively mastering “almost everything” that came my way. This period was crucial in broadening my understanding of ingredients and cooking techniques.

You do a lot of food art too. Have you thought about pursuing a food-related career?

It’s a common sentiment! People often tell me I’m in the “wrong field” and should seriously consider culinary school. And yes, my passion extends beyond just cooking; I absolutely love creating food art. My dexterity with my hands is something I’ve had since childhood. Back home, I consistently scored 10/10 for “handwork” in primary school. If you’re familiar with cross-stitch, you might be surprised to know I could create a complete set for a living room! This skill was something my mother excelled at as a stay-at-home mom, and I learned it from her. This inherent ability to work meticulously with my hands translates beautifully into the delicate craft of food presentation and artistry.

Hahaha, I know your work will be spectacular!

I deeply appreciate the confidence! Speaking of memorable culinary experiences, I once had a family here invite me to their home to prepare dinner. That evening, I arrived and immersed myself in their kitchen, crafting a delightful three-course meal, which I then proudly served. The main courses featured a classic Rice and Chicken Stew, alongside a rich and authentic Eru, a beloved Cameroonian specialty. For dessert, I prepared fresh strawberries and yogurt, presenting them creatively in cups I fashioned out of apples.

It was a truly exhilarating experience. I felt like a high-class chef, relishing every moment, particularly because the wife had a generously sized and exceptionally well-equipped kitchen. I was as excited in her kitchen as a child in a candy store, exploring all the tools and appliances. When it was time for me to depart, the husband surprised me by compensating me with $250. My jaw literally dropped; I hadn’t anticipated any payment, as it was simply a joy to cook. The following day, he sent me a picture of his wife enthusiastically eating the Eru directly from the pot, with a caption that read, “This is how you know the chef did a good job.” That feedback, more than the money, filled me with immense satisfaction and excitement. It was a powerful validation of my passion and skill.

How does your woman feel about you doing a lot of cooking?

Well, she has certainly grown to appreciate and even like the fact that I’m frequently in the kitchen. Initially, I think she might have felt a bit uncomfortable, perhaps thinking it challenged traditional roles. However, she soon realized that this is simply an intrinsic part of who I am, and I won’t stay out of the kitchen. It’s not about proving anything; it’s genuinely fueled by my deep love for food and cooking. She knows I have a strong preference for fresh meals and dislike food that’s more than two days old. I don’t care if it’s been properly refrigerated; I’ll freeze it and prepare something fresh. Given that she’s currently in school, I do handle most of the cooking, but I firmly believe this arrangement stems more from my profound passion for it than from her lack of time, chuckled Lapiro. It’s a dynamic that works for us, driven by mutual understanding and my undeniable culinary drive.

You seem to have a thing for photography too. Where did that passion come from?

Oh yes! My love for photography is another strong passion of mine, and I definitely inherited it from my dad. He was, and still is, a photography enthusiast who consistently took pictures of me throughout my childhood. Now, I often find myself looking back at those images, cherishing the visual memories he meticulously captured. As a gift, I once gave him a really good camera, and to this day, he takes it everywhere! The best part, he tells me, is that he no longer has to buy camera film, now that he has a digital camera that uses a memory card. It brings him so much joy, and that connection certainly fostered my own interest.

My passion for photography is quite active; I make it a point to take a picture every single day. I even engage in themed projects, choosing a specific color each week and capturing images of objects or scenes pertaining to that color. This creative discipline keeps my eye sharp and my artistic instincts honed. I had a particularly exciting moment when one of my pictures was featured on Flickr’s “Explore” page. That achievement was incredibly validating and significantly boosted my enthusiasm for capturing moments through the lens. Just like my cooking, I haven’t pursued professional photography training or attended a specialized school for it. I suppose it all boils down to being naturally good with my hands and having a strong creative drive.

Would you encourage other men to cook too?

Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly encourage all men to embrace cooking! There’s a truly special feeling that comes with preparing a meal and setting the table for your partner, especially when she’s about to return home after a long day. She might be anticipating having to cook herself, but instead, she walks into a home where everything is already prepared. All she needs to do is relax, take a shower, and enjoy a delicious meal. It’s a wonderful gesture of care and support that can strengthen any relationship and bring immense joy to both partners. Cooking is not just a chore; it’s an act of love and creativity, and it’s a skill that benefits everyone involved.

So, men, have you heard Lapiro’s wisdom? Consider cooking for your partner so she can come home, unwind, and savor a thoughtful meal. It’s a simple act that yields profound appreciation.

I genuinely hope you found this interview as enjoyable and inspiring to read as I did conducting it. Denis Barika, or Lapiro, is a truly remarkable individual whose passion for food and art is infectious.

Thank you immensely for speaking with me, Lapiro! May your extraordinary culinary skills and artistic vision continue to take you to places you’ve never even dared to dream of, enriching lives and delighting palates along the way.

Now, it’s over to you, our cherished readers. Is there a man in your life who possesses exceptional cooking talents? What are your perceptions and thoughts about men who are passionate about cooking? Share your stories and perspectives in the comments below!