Dennis Ombachi - From rugby star to 'Roaming Chef'

Piece by: GARVIN PATRICK

02 July 2024

• He was once a celebrated rugby player, representing Kenya for over a decade

Over the past 4 years, Dennis Ombachi has taken the internet by storm with his online cooking persona, "The Roaming Chef."

But Ombachi's journey to culinary fame wasn't always about mastering spices and perfect plating. He was once a celebrated rugby player, representing Kenya for over a decade.

However, injuries forced him to re-evaluate his path. Food, a passion rekindled from watching his mother cook in his youth, became his solace and creative outlet.

Ombachi, a self-taught chef, honed his skills in the kitchen, experimenting with flavours and techniques.

The "Roaming Chef" moniker originated from Ombachi's pre-pandemic days, when he would travel from house to house, preparing meals for clients.

This not only allowed him to connect with people through food but also broadened his culinary horizons. With the rise of social media, Ombachi found the perfect platform to share his passion.

His engaging recipe videos, often punctuated by his signature "Done!" after completing a step, quickly captured the hearts and stomachs of viewers.

The Roaming Chef's influence extends far beyond his online presence. He has been featured on international platforms and even collaborated with renowned athletes like marathoner Eliud Kipchoge.

Despite his online success, Ombachi's culinary ambitions reach beyond the screen. He dreams of opening his own restaurant, a place to showcase his skills and bring people together through the joy of food.

From the rugby field to the kitchen counter, The Roaming Chef continues to inspire home cooks and redefine what it means to create a delicious and engaging culinary experience.