Tunisian Chef Seif Eddine Chaâbeni Competes for Glory
The young Tunisian chef, Seif Eddine Chaâbeni, along with his assistant Ahmed Zaytoun, coach Dhaker Béjaoui, and delegation leader Ameur Eltaief, is gearing up to represent Tunisia at the highly prestigious Bocuse d'Or Africa 2026. This continental culinary competition, set to take place on September 23 and 24 in the picturesque resort town of Taghazout, Morocco, will challenge the team to prepare an exquisite plate featuring sea bream, gray shrimp, red beans, and citrus, as well as a platter showcasing saddle of lamb, sweet potato, and barley, all within a demanding timeframe of five and a half hours. Their goal is to secure one of the two coveted spots for the grand finale of the Bocuse d'Or, which will be held at the Eurexpo exhibition park in Lyon, France, in January 2027.
A Journey of Culinary Excellence
Chef Seif Eddine Chaâbeni is no stranger to the Bocuse d'Or competition. Previously, in 2020, he participated as a commis under candidate Moncef Ben Amara and achieved an impressive second place at Bocuse d'Or Africa. This accomplishment earned him a qualification to the grand finale of the 2021 Bocuse d'Or held in Lyon, where he ultimately finished 19th out of 21 participating countries. The Bocuse d'Or has evolved into a premier culinary event, held biannually at the Sirha in Lyon, showcasing the best chefs from around the world representing 24 countries in the final round.
The Bocuse d'Or Africa plays a crucial role in determining which African teams will advance to the international grand finale, attracting culinary talents from across the continent, including teams from Morocco and Mauritius. This competition is part of Morocco's vibrant gastronomic season, which also features the IMI Taste chef festival. The top two teams in the continental rankings will proudly represent Africa at the 23rd Sirha Lyon, a global reference point for food service professionals, hospitality, and culinary arts, scheduled to take place from January 21 to 25, 2027.
Originally set to be held in Marrakech on May 6, 2026, the Bocuse d'Or Africa has now been moved to the charming coastal town of Taghazout, located just 45 kilometers north of Agadir. Once a fishing village, Taghazout has transformed into a Moroccan surfing paradise, offering a unique bohemian atmosphere amidst stunning ocean views and picturesque mountains. The area is renowned for its world-class surfing spots, yoga retreats, and sunny beaches.
The event, organized by Rahal Event, will bring together over 200 renowned chefs in both cooking and pastry arts, providing a platform for African chefs to showcase their country's culinary heritage. Attendees can look forward to culinary demonstrations, testimonials, and workshops highlighting the rich culinary traditions of the region, with the participation of students from hospitality schools under the Office of Vocational Training and Labor Promotion (Ofppt).
As the Bocuse d'Or continues to grow in prestige, it serves as a remarkable observatory of the diversity of culinary heritages and the transformations occurring within the global gastronomic sphere.
As reported by lapresse.tn.
