In this episode of The Unkles Podcast, Richie sits down with the rising Pacific culinary star — Chef Denzel.If you’re on Pacific TikTok, you’ve definitely seen his cooking videos blowing up online. But long before the fame, Richie and Denzel were mates growing up together in Brisbane. Now, Denzel is making waves across the region with his authentic island flavours and his restaurant Valin Kaba in the Solomon Islands.Denzel shares his incredible life journey — from growing up in Vanuatu (Santo Island and Port Vila), to moving to Australia, and eventually returning to the Solomon Islands where he now runs his own kitchen. This episode dives deep into his roots, his passion for food, and how culture, community, and family shaped the chef he is today.If you’re into Pacific food, island culture, Solomon Islands cuisine, cooking inspiration, or the stories behind today’s most influential Pacific creatives, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.If you’re ever in the Solomon Islands, make sure to visit Valin Kaba and tell them The Unkles sent you.What you’ll hear in this episode:- Chef Denzel’s early life in Vanuatu- Growing up in Brisbane and reconnecting with Pacific identity- Returning home to the Solomon Islands- Building Valin Kaba from the ground up- The rise of Pacific TikTok food culture- Cultural storytelling through cooking- Lessons from family, community, and island livingSupport the channel:If you enjoy this content, please like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from remarkable Papua New Guineans, Pacific Islanders, and creatives across the region.