Culinary Excellence Takes Center Stage at the 2024 Official African Chefs Tournament in Marrakech

The 2024 edition of the Official African Chefs Tournament (TOC Afrique) commenced on Thursday in Marrakech, showcasing the finest culinary talents from across the continent in a celebration of Africa's rich gastronomic heritage. 

Under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, this prestigious event, organized by Rahal Event, brings together top chefs for two major competitions: the Bocuse d’Or Africa and the African Pastry Cup. Participants, meticulously selected from their respective countries, are set to represent their nations before a jury of esteemed culinary experts.

Moroccan representatives were chosen during the TOC Morocco, a benchmark competition held in May 2023 as part of the CREMAI exhibition. Kamal Rahal Essoulami, the general director of Rahal Events and president of TOC Afrique, emphasized that this tournament is not merely a culinary contest but a celebration of Africa's gastronomic legacy. He noted that the event provides a platform for African chefs to showcase their innovation and creativity.

Chef Moha Fedal, head of the Moroccan team competing in the Bocuse d’Or Africa, remarked that the tournament strengthens the bonds between the continent's culinary cultures and solidifies Marrakech's status as Africa's culinary capital. He added that TOC Afrique promotes gastronomy as a vehicle for tourism and positions Morocco as a leading reference in high-level culinary arts.

Mauritian chef Jerry Bastian, president of the Bocuse d’Or Mauritius, highlighted the competition's role in raising awareness about the chef's responsibility in promoting their country's cuisine. He noted that this culinary gathering not only showcases the skills of the competing chefs but also illuminates the deep cultural connections embedded in Africa's culinary traditions.

On Thursday, the Bocuse d’Or Africa challenged chefs from Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, and Senegal over a grueling 5 hours and 35 minutes. Competitors must demonstrate their culinary prowess through two main tasks. The first, titled "Theme on Platter," requires them to elevate a roasted beef sirloin and sweetbreads, accompanied by three vegetable garnishes, one of which must represent their home country, thereby celebrating the richness of African culinary traditions while adhering to international presentation standards.

In the second task, "Theme on Plate," participants are tasked with creating a complete menu centered around carrots, which includes an appetizer, a main course featuring three scallops, and a dessert.

The following day, the African Pastry Cup will honor the art of pastry through challenges that highlight the creations of master pastry chefs from Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. Contestants will push their limits over 10 hours in various categories, including "Tasting Challenges" and "Artistic Challenges." These spectacular creations will celebrate the excellence and creativity of pastry chefs.

The finals of both competitions are set to take place at the prestigious SIRHA exhibition in Lyon in 2025, extending the brilliance of the efforts showcased during TOC Afrique 2024.

Through these competitions, Morocco not only enhances its culinary prominence but also reinforces its role as a catalyst for African cooperation, fostering exchanges that transcend borders.