Nyanyika Banda

03/01/2026

This past week Cape Cod experienced our first real storm in decades! This blizzard took out power across our peninsula and islands- leaving tens of thousands without power.

I’m so thankful that one of my colleagues informed me that the folks at Family Table Collaborative were in need of chefs to assist in making meals.
I had no idea what I was walking into, and I am just thankful that a way for me to help my community presented itself.
It was extremely rewarding to connect and work alongside ACF VP John Norton, the chef team from LUNE - Cape Cod, and Cape Cod Regional Technical High School instructor Matthew Tropeano all came out to support The
Collaborative Chefs Jeff and Nick to put out an insane amount of meals!
This effort was also supported by the World Central Kitchen and I encourage you to donate to their efforts.

01/05/2026

Just arrived in Wisconsin! It’s good to be home❤️

11/29/2025

📢FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 📢

I am beyond excited to share that I will be returning to Wisconsin in January for a special series!

Seven Acre Dairy Company is a lovingly restored dairy factory in the rolling hills of Southern Wisconsin on the National Register of Historic Places. The restored factory now includes an inn, restaurant, cafe, event space and is home to an artisan dairy factory where Anna Landmark and Landmark Creamery produce award-winning butters and sheep's cheese.

Seven Acre is pleased to announce the creation of the "Chef Residency" program. The Chef Residency is a five day experience where chefs will work with the team at Seven Acre to craft unique culinary experiences.

I will be bringing back classic Martha's Daughter dishes (tacos, dumplings, ramen, chicken & waffles) for dinner and brunch. In addition- two nights celebrating the African diaspora and- of course- The Official Black Panther Wakanda Cookbook.

Today through Monday tickets are on sale —->Link in Bio!

Grab a seat for you and the foodie in your life!

I hope to see some familiar faces!!! xoxo nyanyika (Martha's Daughter)

09/11/2025

Exciting news- I’m now booking speaking engagements and cooking demonstrations for 2025-2026!

As a chef and author of Marvel’s Black Panther:The Official Wakanda Cookbook, I bring stories of the African Diaspora, plant-forward traditions, and food as community to the stage and kitchen.

I’ve had the honor of presenting at Madison College, University of Wisconsin-Superior, UMass Amherst, Centerville Public Library and more- and I’m excited to share my new speaker page with you!

If you’re planning a conference, campus event, library program or community gathering, I’d love to connect.
email [email protected] or check out my new speaker page
www.nyanyikabanda.my.canva.site

03/08/2025

I studied History at the University of Wisconsin and at the core of my research was Foodways of the African Diaspora. I love having the opportunity to talk about it!

02/04/2025

Let me tell you about James Heming- the chef responsible for bring Mac & Cheese to the US!

01/31/2025

01/27/2025

01/11/2025

Well- it only took 5 years-
nearly 5 years ago- while we were all shut up in our homes- many of you encouraged me to start making how to cooking videos.
Well- global cultural uprising, depression, isolation, a pandemic and then death and grief have really kept me from this project.
BUT STILL I RISE
PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE
take a moment to subscribe to my new YouTube Channel.
I will be focusing on culinary education (how to chop, saute, emulsify etc)
And I will be including recipes.
I truly hope to venture into monetizing this project so I hope you can support me by liking the videos and subscribing.
Ya'll have truly carried me thus far- and I am forever thankful to everyone who continues to believe in me, to send words of encouragement my way and your overall support!
Now go LIKE- FOLLOW- SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!!!!

Hey there, I’m Nyanyika Banda (aka Nyks)! Welcome to GastroNyks, where we savor the art of cooking. I share easy-to-follow cooking demos, fun recipes using fresh ingredients, and kitchen tips to help you build confidence in the kitchen. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your ...

06/27/2024

Thankful for my surgeon and modern medicine in general. I got to see the inside of my foot today- and all of my new hardware. Forgot to take a picture.

Plaster is off! Which is exciting- because we’re healing but also scary because we’re healing with new parts.

Thank you again to everyone who has given to my medical gofundme. If you’d like to share- the link is in my bio

06/10/2024

Went night skating.
Fractured my ankle and had to be taken from the park in an ambulance.
Had emergency surgery and now I have titanium in my 🦶!

One of my nurses help me put things into perspective because obviously getting the news that I had to be off my foot for a month as a working chef at the beginning of tourist season had me in shock, disappointment and anxious!

Some highlights before I injured myself:
There was a little girl (7 years old) with her dad and brother (9 years old). The brother was dropping in but the sister was hanging on the sidelines with her board. I recognized that hesitation immediately- it’s what kept me from learning for so long- it’s intimidating being a skate park surrounded by guys that appear to have all the confidence and all the skill.
I went up to her and asked if she wanted to try? I grabbed my board and we went off and had a mini lesson. When it was time to leave she was smiling and had some new skills.
As it got dark and lights came up- more guys showed up with their girlfriends. My boyfriend was out there shredding- but I am too restless and love the feel of the wheels underneath me too much!
So I stayed on the basketball court and shredded. It was a lot of fun! I was having fun and feeling proud of the skills I had.
After my foot was dangling from my ankle and everyone was crowded around me- one of girlfriends just kept saying to me, “you are so good! You were shredding so well! I was so impressed!”
I taught myself how to ride when I was 21 years old on the basketball court down the street from us on Mifflin Street in Madison. After that- you could always find me kick-pushing around town (usually in a mini skirt🤷🏾‍♀️)
I always joke with friends that I’m good at falling because I fall a lot but have never seriously injured myself- so statistically, I’m still doing pretty good!

That said- I have a huge medical bill now and no health insurance due to some incompetence on the end of Mass Health for the last few months.
Venmo: -Banda
PayPal:
CashApp: Nyks81
If you’re able to help in any way.

Now to figure out how to run a kitchen with one leg!