The Moroccan team, composed of young talents Yassine Bogdad, Youssef Lamghani, Ahmed Ben Semlali and led by chef Moha Fedal, won this prize after 5 hours and 35 minutes of competition, followed by Mauritius and Egypt, who respectively reached the second and third step of the podium.
Elite chefs from Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco and Senegal competed in two challenges that tested their mastery of African culinary techniques while meeting international presentation standards.
The first challenge, called “Theme on Tray”, consisted of sublimating a roast beef sirloin and sweetbreads, accompanied by three vegetable garnishes, including one representative of their country, to exalt the richness of African culinary traditions.
In the second challenge, “Theme on Plate”, the teams designed a complete menu around the carrot, including a starter, a main course with three pieces of scallops, and a dessert.
“The Moroccans were able to rise to the challenge. A very fine demonstration. A lot of finesse,” said Davy Tissot, winner of the Bocuse d’Or Monde 2023 and president of the international jury of Bocuse d’Or Afrique 2024, in a statement to MAP.
Congratulating the Moroccan team for this new victory, Mr. Tissot stressed that Moroccan gastronomy, as rich as it is varied, reflects the conviviality of Moroccans and a unique cultural heritage.
For his part, chef Moha Fedal expressed his joy for this prestigious distinction after tough competition against talented chefs.
“Our leaders honored Morocco and gave their all to win this title for the second time after 2018,” he said with emotion.
Kamal Rahal Essoulami, CEO of Rahal Events and President of TOC Africa, noted that this tournament, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is more than just a culinary competition, as it represents, above all, a celebration of African gastronomic heritage.
This tournament offers African chefs a platform for innovation and creativity to defend the colours of their countries in front of a prestigious jury composed of the greatest experts in the field, he noted.
The official tournament of African chefs will continue on Friday with the organization of the African Pastry Cup, which will celebrate the art of pastry through events showcasing the creations of master pastry chefs from Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.
The candidates will surpass themselves during 10 hours of competition in several categories, namely “Tasting Tests” and “Artistic Tests”. These spectacular creations, both for the eyes and the taste buds, will crown the excellence and creativity of the pastry chefs.
The winners of the Coupe d’Afrique de Pâtisserie and the Bocuse d’Or Afrique will represent their countries at the grand finale, which will be held at the prestigious SIRHA exhibition in Lyon in 2025.
In addition to strengthening its gastronomic influence, Morocco, through these competitions, also reinforces its role as a driving force for African cooperation, via exchanges that transcend borders.
2024-09-13 04:26:46