A young Bermudian chef has set taste buds tingling with his secret recipe for seasoning.

Now bottles of Michiko Campbell’s Chiko’s Smokey Rub is flying off the shelves — boosted by a debut appearance at last week’s Harbour Nights.

Mr Campbell said he came up with the recipe — which features specially-treated paprika and several other ingredients — while still a culinary student at Johnson & Wales University in the US.

And it got rave reviews when he started using it at family get-togethers in Bermuda and as a rub for steaks at his job at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in Hamilton.

Mr Campbell, 24, from Pembroke, who has just been promoted to sous chef, said: “Everybody said I should sell it, which gave me the confidence to move forward with it.”

He added: “The flavour is a smoky one and when the heat gets to it, it caramelises the seasonings onto the meat, which gives it a sweet and smoky flavour.

“It’s an all-purpose rub which can be used on all meats — chicken, beef, pork, seafood and so on. It’s even a nice add to a stir fry on top of French fries.”

Mr Campbell, who has worked in kitchens since he was 16, hit on recipe after doing a mixology course as part of his university course, where he learned how to put together a variety of seasonings.

But Mr Campbell said: “It’s a pretty awesome recipe — so I’m not giving that out, except to say there is paprika in it.”

And the production of Chiko’s Smokey Rub is a real family affair.

Mr Campbell said: “I make it, bottle it, package it and sell it myself, with my fiancee Sherelle Simons.”

Ms Simons — who runs her own business, Rellz Hott Graphics, designed the distinctive bottle labels, banners and posters and even created T-shirts and a promotional DVD for the rub.

In addition to stall sales to residents and tourists at Harbour Nights on Front Street, word of mouth has led to orders through Facebook page ChikoSmokeyRub as well.

Mr Campbell said: “It’s just been moving really fast. People now want me to do a couple of other things, like advice on cooking, recipes and tips.

“I’m going to start doing that on the Facebook page and maybe add some tips to the bottles.”

Mr Campbell’s stall will be located opposite Onion Jack’s on Front Street at every Harbour Night for the rest of the season.

Orders can also be placed by calling 704 4566 or by e-mailing chiko_1989@live.com.