Male food vendor breaks gender stereotypes at Coca-Cola Tanzania Food Fest

Dar es Salaam. At this year’s Coca-Cola Tanzania Food Fest, held at Mwananyamala CCM Mwinjuma grounds in Kinondoni, one vendor caught the attention of festivalgoers not just for his delectable dishes but for his bold defiance of traditional gender roles. Stanlaus Baron, a rising male food vendor, has made waves by not only showcasing his culinary talent but also challenging the idea that the kitchen is strictly a woman’s domain.

Baron, whose signature dish of slow-cooked liver stew and spaghetti quickly became a crowd favorite, captivated attendees with more than just his cooking. "People often think that food vending is a job for women, but cooking is a skill, a passion just like any other profession," he said. His words echoed through the fest, as customers lined up for a taste of his masterful dishes. "If you love cooking, it doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female. What matters is the talent, the dedication, and the love for what you do."

Growing up, Baron was often teased for his interest in the kitchen, a space traditionally reserved for women in many Tanzanian households. “My relatives would say, ‘Cooking is for women,’ or ‘Find something more manly to do.’ But why should cooking be gendered? It’s an essential skill, and the satisfaction of feeding others is beyond compare,” he said. This mindset drove him to perfect his culinary craft, proving that his passion for food was more than a hobby it was his calling.

The Coca-Cola Tanzania Food Fest, an annual celebration of diverse culinary talents from the Kinondoni district, provided the perfect platform for Baron to showcase his skills and spread his message. Baron’s presence added an unexpected yet important narrative to the event challenging gender perceptions in Tanzania’s food industry, where men are often underrepresented. His call for gender inclusivity struck a chord with many attendees, who praised his courage and delicious offerings.

Baron didn’t stop there. He used the platform to advocate for parental support in nurturing children’s interests, regardless of societal expectations. "Parents need to support their kids who want to pursue their talents, whether it’s cooking, engineering, or sports. Who knows, you could be raising the next great chef," he urged. "We need to shun the perception that any profession belongs to one gender. It’s time to inspire the younger generation to follow their passion without fear of judgment."

With the overwhelming positive reception at the food fest, Baron is already looking towards the future. He plans to expand his food vending business and eventually open his own restaurant. "This is just the beginning," he said with a smile. "I want to keep proving that anyone, regardless of gender, can succeed in the kitchen." His journey stands as a testament to the idea that talent and passion transcend gender, challenging long-held societal norms and opening doors for a more inclusive culinary landscape in Tanzania.