Pierre Thiam,
Chef of Grand Dakar

Pierre's opening of Grand Dakar in 2006 was a culmination of diverse culinary background.

Pierre Thiam was born in Dakar, Senegal. He was blessed by being raised both in this most cosmopolitan of African cities and in the rustic region of Senegal’s southernmost coastal province, Casamance. In Dakar, the family meals included elegant Senegalese food as well as French, Vietnamese and Moroccan cuisine. In Casamance, where he summered and traveled for family gatherings, he was treated to age-old indigenous flavors and preparations later influenced by Portuguese colonists.

The love of food simmered within him and reached a high point when he came to NYC. Pierre shares his story in YOLELE, his cookbook sold on Amazon.