The 22nd edition of the National Culture Week (SNC) celebrated the richness of Burkina Faso’s gastronomy. The culinary arts competition featured 52 local dishes competing for the grand prize. The creations were divided into four main categories: heavy dishes, light dishes, desserts and beverages.

After four days of competition, the verdict has been announced. The first prize in culinary arts was awarded to Adiaratou KAFANDO, from Namentenga Province, for her dish entitled “The secret of Sahel Souma” in the heavy dishes category.

In the other categories, the winners are also now known. Martine MADIEGA from Gnagna distinguished herself in the light dishes category with a mix of moringa leaves, balanites seeds and egg, while Moïse SAWADOGO from Tuy Province won first prize in the dessert category with his dish “Golden sweetness with cassava pearls”. As for beverages, the prize went to Yaya TRAORÉ from Houet Province for his cocktail made from Zizyphus jujuba.

Held under the auspices of the National Grand Prize for Arts and Letters (GPNAL), the competition aims to showcase and promote local cuisine while providing contestants with a platform to express their talent and creativity.

During the competition’s launch ceremony, the Minister in charge of Family Affairs, Pélagie KABORÉ, stressed that culinary art is a profound expression of Burkina Faso’s cultural identity. She highlighted the importance of gastronomy as a reflection of the richness of local produce and the country’s cultural diversity.

Referring back to the theme, “My Plate, My Pride”, the Minister called for it to go beyond being merely a slogan. According to her, food choices should be acts of citizenship. Consuming local products not only supports national producers, but also helps strengthen the country’s economy.

Source :  Wakat Serra  , l’Économiste du Faso