Lagos had just one flavour this weekend, delicious. The GTCO Food & Drink Festival, now in its sizzling 8th edition, cooked up a storm from May 2nd to 4th at the GTCentre, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island.
From the moment gates opened, it was clear: this wasn’t just an event, it was a full-blown feast of culture, creativity, and culinary delight.
Over the years, this festival has grown from a humble showcase into Africa’s biggest food and drink celebration, and 2025’s edition? It was the tastiest yet.
So, what made it extra spicy this year?
First, let’s talk about the masterclass chefs, the real stars of the menu. The sessions were headlined by an impressive lineup of international culinary maestros: GTCO Food & Drink Festival 2025 brought in an impressive lineup of culinary experts for the masterclasses, offering a rich, hands-on experience for food enthusiasts. Hosted by an international team, the masterclass guests included
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Chef Hiroo Nagahara (Japan): with sharp knives and even sharper flavours.
Chef Gabriel Rodriguez (Mexico): bringing tacos and tales.
Chef Thomas Zacharias (India): blending spice with storytelling.
Chef Daniel Galmiche (France): classic French elegance with flair.
Chef Lorenzo Cogo (Italy): transforming simple ingredients into masterpieces.
Chef Lasheeda Perry (USA): creating magic with sweets and precision.
Chef Hardette Harris (USA): serving up authentic North Louisiana comfort.
Chef Tamra Patterson (USA): a master of Creole flavours.
Chef Tilewa Odedina (Nigeria): championing African flavours and nutrition.
Chef Shalamar Lane (USA): grilling up a storm with perfect BBQ.
Chef Cristian Duhalde (Argentina): turning pizza into art.
Chef Uche Annie Ugoka (Nigeria): inspiring kids with the joy of baking.
These classes weren’t just cooking demos, they were full-on edible performances. And what made it even more exciting? Their expertise took the audience on a journey across the globe, from sushi to spice to traditional French dishes. With their unique approaches to cooking and their infectious passion for food, these chefs made the experience truly unforgettable.
Then there was Happy Hour, an hourly segment where a few lucky foodies were given ₦25,000 vouchers to eat to their hearts’ content at any booth. Yes, ₦25,000 worth of foodie freedom. The cheers? Loud. The food? Loud-er.
Speaking of booths, there were over 200 vendors! From indoors to outdoors, you could barely turn without running into something you needed to try. Names like:
ThatOfadaGirl: Serving up the beloved Ofada rice, a staple in Nigerian cuisine.
Àjàrà Foods: Specializing in traditional Nigerian dishes, offering a taste of authentic flavors.
Flavour Lab by AJ: Known for innovative culinary creations that blend local and international tastes.
Ram & Beer: Combining succulent grilled meats with refreshing beverages for a satisfying experience.
Smokecity Food and Drinks: Offering a smoky twist on classic dishes, adding depth and flavor to every bite.
PBugs Kitchen, Just Treats, UGo Chips, and so many more brought the festival to life
And the music? Non-stop. The MCs were hilarious, keeping the crowd vibing from afternoon to night. Everywhere you looked, it was upbeat, colourful, and buzzing with excitement. Even at 8PM, people were still trooping in, because when Lagos parties with food, it doesn’t stop early.
The GTCO Food & Drink Festival 2025 wasn’t just about satisfying adult appetites, the little ones had their own fun-filled space too! With child-friendly activities, secured areas, and an extra layer of safety, the festival made sure that families could relax and enjoy their day. Parents were given special tags for easy identification, ensuring the children’s safety while they explored the festival. And when one of the adventurous children wandered off, the staff quickly announced it on stage, ensuring they were returned safely to their parents, keeping everyone informed and reassured. Parents could rest easy knowing that their little foodies were having a blast in a secure and fun environment.
The design of the venue was as mouth-watering as the menu, snack structures, bright lights, bold branding, fresh designs, and photo-worthy corners perfect for your foodie selfies.
From the families with strollers to the squad in matching fits, to the lone food critics and adventure snackers, this year’s GTCO Food & Drink Festival proved one thing: Lagos loves food, and food loves Lagos right back.
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