From Nigeria to Holland, Chicago to Bristol
Owen’s life is a tapestry of cultures. Born in Nigeria, raised in the Netherlands, educated in the United States, and now settled in Bristol, his cooking is as global as his accent. “I thought it would be nice to make a dish that is not typically British,” Owen shares. “I love rice, I love chicken and seafood. So I thought, let’s mix that together and make paella.”
But this isn’t your traditional Spanish paella. Owen’s version – quickly renamed “the Owen Dish” – is a vibrant, highly seasoned chicken and rice creation, finished with coconut milk, king prawns, and a medley of spices that reflect his heritage and travels.
“My mum used to be a chef back in the day,” Owen says with pride. “She taught me her secret to perfect rice.” His confidence is infectious: “When it comes to rice, I do see myself as a master.”
Life on the rubbish route
Owen’s day starts long before most of us have hit snooze. “I’ve got to wake up at four o’clock to be in the office for five,” he explains. As an operations supervisor for Bristol Waste, Owen manages eight crews, each responsible for collecting from hundreds of homes. “It’s a job that actually allows a lot of cardio,” he laughs, “you sense you’re working out.”
But the work is far from easy. From sorting recycling to dealing with unexpected discoveries –“We do find people in bins, especially during winter, when it’s cold, freezing and wet” – the role demands vigilance and empathy. New staff are trained to check bins for people seeking shelter, a sobering reminder of the city’s hidden struggles.
Yet, there’s camaraderie and pride. “I love a team dynamic,” Owen says, crediting his football background for his leadership style. “We work on bank holidays, weekends, overtime, just to make sure Bristol is waste-free and clean.”
Recycling realities: Surprising facts and everyday challenges
As the onions sweat in chilli oil and the chicken soaks up teriyaki, soy, and all-purpose seasoning, the conversation turns to the realities of recycling. Owen is candid about the challenges: “You’d be surprised how many people just chuck wasted food in the black bin.” He estimates that the average household wastes around £1,000 a year on food that ends up in landfill.
The risks of incorrect recycling are real. Mixing batteries with plastics or glass can cause explosions at the depot. “Part of our induction is showing a video of a processing team, and then you see a big fire just emerge,” Owen reveals. It’s a stark reminder that what we toss in the bin matters.
Food waste, when properly separated, is processed at the depot, but Owen admits that not all areas have food recycling schemes. “I’ve moved around so much, lived in shared households… We didn’t even have this until recently.”
Owen’s no-rules approach to cooking
Back at the stove, Owen’s approach is instinctive—no measuring spoons, just a feel for flavour. “I like to use a bit of Maggi,” he says, a nod to his Nigerian roots. The dish simmers, with coconut milk melding with spices, and king prawns are added at the end for a final flourish.
Claire is quick to point out the beauty of such fusion: “That’s how food happens, isn’t it? We can all make it whatever we want.” Owen agrees: “You get to experiment, and at the end of the day, you’ve got to eat it yourself.”
Their conversation is peppered with practical tips – how to check if rice is done (“Stick a knife in; if it comes out dry, it’s ready”), why kitchen scissors are underrated, and the joys of meal prepping for the week ahead.
More than just a meal
As the dish comes together – fragrant, spicy, and brimming with personality – it’s clear that Owen’s kitchen is a microcosm of his life: diverse, resilient, and full of heart. “We’ll call this the Owen Dish,” Claire declares, promising to recreate it on her Instagram.
For Owen, food is more than sustenance. It’s a way to share stories, bridge cultures, and find comfort after a long, early shift. “I love coconut milk,” he says, unapologetically, as he spoons the rich, steaming rice into bowls.
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Love coconut milk, chicken and prawns as much as Owen? Explore our chicken recipes, prawn recipes and coconut milk recipes for more delicious ways to use these favourites.
