Meet Tima — The Woman Behind the Flavor
Hi, I’m Tima Gaye — the creator of Cook with Tima, a cooking platform built on culture, family, and the simple joy of making delicious food.
I am Gambian-born, partly Sweden-raised, and now living in the UK — and my journey through three countries has shaped the way I cook, see food, and share my recipes with the world.
But my story didn’t start online.
It started much earlier… long before cameras, social media, or websites.
My Roots: Where My Cooking Story Truly Began
I grew up in The Gambia, where food is the heart of every home and the center of every gathering.
In our culture, cooking is not just a life skill — it’s an expression of love, identity, and connection.
As a young girl, I was naturally drawn to the kitchen.
I would pick up empty milk cans and leftover scraps just to “cook” something of my own.
Sometimes it tasted great.
Sometimes it tasted… well… experimental 😄
But every attempt brought me closer to the cook I would become.
By the age of 8, I could already cook rice confidently.
I learned from watching the incredible women in my family — my mother, aunties, and relatives — who cooked with instinct, patience, and heart.
Those early moments shaped the foundation of who I am today.
From The Gambia to Sweden: A New Chapter
During my teenage years, life took a big turn.
I moved to Stockholm, Sweden, where everything — from the weather to the food — was different.
But cooking remained my anchor.
No matter how far I was from home, the flavors of my childhood stayed with me.
Cooking kept me connected to my roots and gave me comfort in a new environment.
Life in the UK: Motherhood, Work & New Dreams
Today, I am based in the UK, balancing life as:
- A mother of two amazing girls
- A student
- A part-time healthcare worker
- And a growing content creator
My daughters are my biggest motivation.
They are honest food critics — sometimes brutally honest 😅 — but their excitement and feedback fuel my passion.
For me, cooking is more than food.
It’s comfort, creativity, culture, and love.
It’s how I express myself and how I stay grounded.
How Cook With Tima Was Born
During the COVID-19 lockdown, when the world slowed down and everything felt uncertain, I started sharing my meals online.
I wanted to bring warmth and positivity into my home — and into other people’s homes as well.
I didn’t expect the response.
People connected with my recipes.
They loved the simplicity, the flavor, and the honest style of cooking.
Slowly, what started as a small idea turned into a beautiful community.
That’s when Cook With Tima officially began — a space created from passion, resilience, and the desire to share food that makes people feel good.
What You Can Expect From My Kitchen
✔ Home-cooked African recipes rooted in tradition
✔ Comfort meals full of warmth and personality
✔ Quick and family-friendly dishes
✔ Fusion meals inspired by my multicultural journey
✔ Clear, step-by-step guidance for all skill levels
✔ Recipes made with love, not perfection
My goal is simple:
To show that cooking doesn’t need pressure, stress, or fancy ingredients.
All you need is heart — the rest will follow.
Why I Share My Food With the World
Food has a special way of bringing people together.
It carries stories, memories, and emotions.
It reminds us of who we are and where we come from.
I share my recipes because I want people to feel connected — not just to African cuisine, but to a sense of home, comfort, and creativity.
Whether you’re trying my dishes from across the world or right next door,
You’re part of my kitchen.
Thank You for Being Here
Thank you for visiting my page, trying my recipes, sharing your feedback, and supporting my journey.
This platform is growing, and you are a big part of it.
I’m excited to continue sharing more delicious meals, more stories, and more moments from my kitchen to yours — one loving spoonful at a time. 💛
“Cooking isn’t just about food — it’s a way to share culture, create memories, and show love with every plate.”