Chef
Olaide Tella
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Washington DC, Washington DC, United States
- Venue
- Oyamel · Restaurant
i. Biography
Career Arc
Catering builds a particular kind of kitchen discipline: transport, timing, holding, service recovery, and the business habits that sit around the food. Early in his career, Olaide Tella developed that combination as a caterer and catering business operator at Chef Olaide's catering business in New Jersey. Since 2017, the same operator’s discipline has carried into a fixed address through his role as chef and founder of Olaide's Kitchen.
Today
Fresh ingredient work sets the operating standard at Olaide’s Kitchen. As Tella puts it, "At Olaide’s Kitchen we pride ourselves on the use of fresh ingredients. Everything has to be fresh." Homestyle Nigerian cuisine with a modern twist is the stated frame for the cooking. In practice, that means the restaurant keeps Nigerian home-cooking references legible while adapting them to a contemporary restaurant setting in Sayreville.
Signature
Signature dishes include smoky Jollof rice.
Distinctions
The recognition has come through the restaurant’s place in New Jersey’s African and Nigerian dining field: Olaide's honors include One of three restaurants honored for representing the best of New Jersey cuisine (2024), Listed among the “15 Greatest African Restaurants in New Jersey” (2023), and Named one of the “11 Best Nigerian & West African Restaurants in the U.S.”.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Olaide
What is Olaide Tella's current role?
Olaide Tella is owner of Olaide's Kitchen with her daughter Abigail Lemo.
Where did Olaide Tella work before?
Earlier in their career, Olaide Tella worked at Chef Olaide's catering business.
What recognition has Olaide Tella received?
One of three restaurants honored for representing the best of New Jersey cuisine (2024).
