Hailing from the modest origins of the rural community of Akuapim Larteh in the Eastern region of Ghana, Chef Samuel Nana Yaw Adu, affectionately known as Chef NY, carries the lessons of responsibility and diligence acquired during his upbringing. As the eldest among five siblings, he imbibed the values of hard work, a sense of duty, and a profound understanding of life’s challenges. These early years meant waking up before dawn to toil on the family farm prior to attending school, all with the purpose of providing for his loved ones’ basic needs.

These formative experiences profoundly shaped Chef NY’s outlook on life, fostering a genuine empathy for those confronted by hunger and scarcity. When destiny presented him with the chance to pursue a culinary career, he embraced it wholeheartedly. He recognized the transformative potential of food—a medium that could positively impact lives and communities. Having intimately known the pangs of hunger and the emptiness of an unfilled stomach, his resolve to employ his culinary talents for the benefit of the less fortunate solidified.

In the years following his graduation, Chef NY has been ardently involved in charitable community initiatives. He channels his culinary prowess to uplift and nourish the vulnerable, utilizing his skills to provide sustenance and hope. Accumulating over a decade of experience, he has played a pivotal role in establishing new culinary ventures across Ghana.

Presently, he stands as the visionary behind Nine30 Chinese Restaurant—an esteemed bespoke hospitality enterprise nestled in the heart of Armhria, Accra. His journey has also led him to assume the role of a Co-Founder and Director of Communications and Marketing at Chefs With Purpose—an initiative that epitomizes his commitment to using gastronomy as a force for positive change.

From his humble beginnings to his present position as a respected entrepreneur and culinary virtuoso, Chef Samuel Nana Yaw Adu’s narrative exemplifies the strength of determination, the transformative power of cuisine, and an unwavering dedication to serve both the heart and the palate.