Our Story

    Welcome to Chakula — Where African Soul Meets Global Taste

    Chakula means food in Swahili — but to us, it's about tradition, connection, and joy. Our menu blends African roots with a fresh, healthy twist, from berbere-roasted veggies to East African-spiced coastal fish. Just off the seafront at the south end of the boardwalk, we serve food that nourishes, excites, and tells a story.

    From Heart & Heritage to Your Table

    At Chakula, food is more than fuel — it's a love language passed down through generations, a celebration of heritage, and a bridge between cultures. Chef Anthony Waiharo grew up in Kenya, where the kitchen was the heart of the home. Inspired by the soulful, from-scratch cooking of his mother and grandmother, he developed a passion for creating food that nourishes both body and spirit — rich in flavor, rooted in tradition.

    That passion led to a thriving food truck business in Kenya and, to Lisbon, where Chef Tony refined his craft alongside acclaimed chefs in some of the city's most beloved restaurants. There, he met Brea Quinn, a Canadian who shared his love for Africa and food. Together, they dreamed of creating a space where African flavors shine through colourful, plant-forward dishes — soulful and satisfying, yet health-conscious and globally inspired.

    Chef Tony and Brea — founders of Chakula Nazaré African Fusion Restaurant

    Chef Tony and Brea, bringing African soul to Portuguese shores