Ida’s journey began abroad. After spending two years studying and living in the United Kingdom, she returned to The Gambia in 1989 and started working in the hospitality industry. Over time, she recognised that visitors were looking for something more authentic than a standard dining experience.

That idea led her to create her own concept, naming it after her mother, Yabouy. A name that reflects tradition, family and the values behind Gambian hospitality.

At Yabouy Home Cooking, guests are welcomed into a relaxed, home-style setting where cooking becomes a shared experience. Visitors learn how to prepare traditional dishes while also discovering the stories, customs and cultural meaning behind them.

For Ida, food is the simplest and most natural way to connect people. Around the cooking pot, barriers disappear, conversations begin and cultures come together.

What makes this experience unique is not only the food itself, but the atmosphere it creates. It is personal, interactive and deeply rooted in Gambian culture.

For travellers looking to go beyond the surface and experience The Gambia in a more meaningful way, Yabouy Home Cooking offers something genuine and memorable.

Watch the full interview to discover Ida Cham’s story and the inspiration behind this unique experience.

chaamidaa@gmail.com+220 772 7272

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chaamidaa@gmail.com+220 772 7272

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