Hayet Aït Lounis, a talented baker from Aghribs, Algeria, has made her country and region proud by winning the top prize in the Saf-Instant African baking competition held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Her achievement has brought immense joy and pride to her community, and she was welcomed back home with a grand celebration. Hayet's win is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft.
Hayet's journey to becoming a renowned baker began when she was just six years old, having lost her father and moved to Alger with her mother. She attended the Réda Houhou primary school and later developed an interest in sewing, which her mother encouraged. However, it was during a stage in traditional cakes that Hayet discovered her passion for baking. At 24, she pursued a one-year course in Viennese pastry-making in Tizi Ouzou.
Hayet continued to hone her skills by attending the Institut national de boulangerie et pâtisserie (INBP) in Alger for three months. She then worked in several bakeries and furthered her training at Baking Lessaffre in Alger until 2008. With her expertise and experience, Hayet acquired a bakery in Azazga, where she perfected her craft. Her brother entrusted her with a newly built local in Sraqa, on the RN24, just six months ago.
The local community was skeptical about Hayet's ability to succeed in a male-dominated field, but she has proven them wrong. Her flatbreads have become incredibly popular, selling like hotcakes due to their unique taste and texture. Hayet attributes her success to her mother's high standards, which drove her to perfect her craft. She recalls her mother's criticism of her early attempts, which motivated her to create better bread.
Hayet's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiration to women in her community. She has shown that with determination and hard work, women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her win has sparked a sense of pride and hope among young women, who see her as a role model.
Hayet's passion for baking is evident in her work, and her dedication to using traditional techniques and ingredients has paid off. Her bread is distinct from others in the market, and her customers appreciate the love and care she puts into every loaf. As she continues to run her bakery, Hayet remains committed to sharing her passion with her community.
The Saf-Instant African baking competition is a prestigious event that recognizes talented bakers from across the continent. Hayet's win is a testament to the high standards of Algerian bakers and the country's rich culinary heritage. Her achievement will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue careers in baking and related fields.
Key points
- Hayet Aït Lounis, an Algerian baker, has won the top prize in the Saf-Instant African baking competition held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
- Hayet's journey to becoming a renowned baker was marked by her passion for traditional techniques and ingredients.
- Her achievement has sparked a sense of pride and hope among young women in her community, who see her as a role model.
