Meet our International Instructor Chef Samson Semwenda

Tanzanian Culinary Expert | Master of Swahili Cuisine | Founder of Mapishi

We are proud to welcome Chef Samson Semwenda to the UpSkillz instructor team.

A celebrated Tanzanian chef and founder of Mapishi, Chef Samson brings with him over a decade of culinary expertise, specializing in the rich and aromatic world of Swahili cuisine,  a vibrant culinary tradition deeply rooted in the East African coast.

Widely recognized in his home country, Chef Samson is known for promoting Tanzanian flavors internationally. He has been featured on national television networks including ANC, GMA, and TV5, as well as various radio stations. He also served as a demo chef at the prestigious Manila Food and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX), showcasing the beauty of Swahili cooking to a Filipino audience.

Swahili cuisine is a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese influences. Think bold spices, coconut-infused stews, grilled seafood, and soulful dishes like biryani, pilau, mandazi, and samaki wa kupaka. Every dish tells a story of heritage, hospitality, and home and Chef Samson is the perfect guide to take you on that journey.

Whether you're a home cook, aspiring chef, or curious foodie, Chef Samson Semwenda brings a rare and valuable perspective to the culinary world, rooted in tradition, refined by experience, and driven by a deep respect for Swahili heritage. His work continues to elevate East African cuisine on the global stage.