Renowned as the wandering chef, Dennis Ombachi has made a name for himself by crafting delectable dishes on his balcony, punctuating his social media posts with the simple yet impactful word ‘done!’
Before embracing his culinary journey, Chef Roaming, as he’s fondly known, was recognized for his prowess on the rugby field rather than in the kitchen.
During his tenure as a rugby star for the Kenyan national team, Ombachi’s decisive goal against Zimbabwe secured Kenya’s spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
However, his trajectory took an unexpected turn when the Kenya Rugby Union terminated his contract, plunging him into a period of mental health struggles following the abrupt loss of his livelihood.
A pivotal moment arose when his former captain and mentor, Humphrey Kayange, bestowed upon him a camera. Setting it up on his balcony, Ombachi began documenting his culinary adventures, capturing the essence of his food preparations and cooking techniques.
This transition propelled Ombachi into the realm of social media stardom, amassing millions of followers and earning prestigious accolades, including the esteemed TikTok award.
In 2023, he clinched the coveted title of overall winner at the inaugural TikTok Best Creator Awards for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking with CNN Sport, Ombachi disclosed that his passion for cooking blossomed amidst the turmoil following the cancellation of the rugby sevens circuit and the subsequent termination of his contract by the Kenya Rugby Union.
In the face of adversity, cooking became his refuge, offering him solace through the exploration of diverse flavors and culinary innovations.
Ombachi attributes much of his culinary inspiration to the renowned TV chef Gordon Ramsay, whose expertise and creativity served as guiding lights in his culinary journey.
“My culinary odyssey commenced during my rugby days with Kenya, as I traversed different nations, experiencing varied cuisines and recipes,” Ombachi recounted.
He further elaborated, “I delved into the realm of cooking by immersing myself in YouTube videos, particularly those featuring the esteemed British chef Gordon Ramsay, whose techniques inadvertently shaped my culinary prowess.”
As Ombachi continues to delight his family with daily culinary creations, his online presence burgeons with each shared recipe.
His culinary innovations have captivated audiences across diverse social media platforms, with his trademark catchphrase, “Done,” transcending its initial meaning to become a ubiquitous meme.
