The team from One&Only Le Saint Géran, led by chef Nitilesh Beharee and commis Parikshit Seegoolam, will represent Mauritius in the Bocuse d'Or Africa competition in Agadir and Taghazout, Morocco, on September 23-24, 2026. They qualified for the event after a successful national qualification round in 2025. The team is determined to make an impact and potentially qualify for the international Bocuse d'Or finals.
The Mauritius team will be coached by chef Vikash Coonjan, who expressed his pride in the team's abilities and their representation of Mauritian culture. He noted that the team will draw inspiration from the island's rich culinary heritage, which has been shaped by Creole, Indian, Chinese, African, and European influences. The team's strategy will be to reinterpreting traditional flavors and products using modern techniques.
The Bocuse d'Or Africa competition will feature teams from Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire. The competition is a significant opportunity for the Mauritian team to showcase their skills and creativity on an international stage. Chef Coonjan emphasized that the event will allow them to demonstrate their mastery of local ingredients and traditions, while also exploring new ways to present them.
The Mauritian team's dish will feature local ingredients such as curry leaves and powder, ginger, garlic, coriander, thyme, and chevrette, a local delicacy. They will also incorporate other island specialties, including heart of palm, sweet potato, and kombava. By combining traditional flavors with modern techniques, the team aims to create a unique and memorable culinary experience.
Chef Coonjan highlighted the significance of the Bocuse d'Or Africa competition for Mauritian cuisine and culture. He believes that the event will promote the island's gastronomic heritage and showcase the talents of its chefs. The competition is also an opportunity for Mauritius to be showcased as a destination for foodies and travelers.
The team's participation in the Bocuse d'Or Africa competition is expected to have a positive impact on Mauritius' tourism industry. By highlighting the island's culinary expertise and local products, the team hopes to attract more visitors and promote the island beyond its traditional image as a luxury beach destination.
The Bocuse d'Or Africa competition is a prestigious culinary event that attracts top chefs from across the continent. The Mauritian team's participation is a testament to the island's rich culinary heritage and its commitment to promoting local cuisine on the international stage.
Key points
- The One&Only Le Saint Géran team will represent Mauritius in the Bocuse d'Or Africa competition in Morocco.
- The team will be led by chef Nitilesh Beharee and commis Parikshit Seegoolam, with chef Vikash Coonjan as their coach.
- The competition is a significant opportunity for the Mauritian team to showcase their skills and creativity on an international stage.
