Lyon 2023 final
Elevating Mauritius: The Road to the Bocuse d'Or World Finals
A Culinary Journey to Remember:
How Kritesh, Brady and Michael brought "the flavors of Mauritius" to the world stage
The Bocuse d'Or is the world's most prestigious gastronomic competition, attracting the finest chefs from around the globe. This year, our very own Mauritian team had the honor of participating in this prestigious event, showcasing the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of our beautiful island nation all combined the imposed ingredients of the competition. In this article, we share their remarkable journey, from the intensive preparation in Mauritius and France to the nail-biting final event in Lyon. We hope to inspire the next generation of Mauritian chefs to take on the challenge and elevate our cuisine to even greater heights.
A Six-Month Preparation in Mauritius
The road to Bocuse d'Or began with a rigorous six-month preparation period in Mauritius. The Kritesh and Brady honed their skills through countless hours of practice, crafting dishes that showcased the exquisite flavors and unique ingredients as imposed by the organisation of the Bocuse d'Or. Working closely with experienced mentors, our Kritesh and Brady refined their techniques, explored new culinary ideas, and developed innovative recipes that would make Mauritius proud on the international stage.
Two Weeks of Intensive Training in Vienne, France
As the competition drew nearer, our team traveled to Vienne, France, for a two-week intensive training program at the renowned Hotel-restaurant La Pyramide. The training program included several overnight sessions, pushing the team to their limits, testing their endurance, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie within the team.
The Day of the Competition: Excitement, Stress, and a Sea of Supporters
On January 23, our Mauritian team stepped into the spotlight in Lyon, France, facing an exhilarating and nerve-wracking day of competition. Surrounded by a 5,000-strong audience, Kritesh and Brady had to navigate the intense pressure to perform at their best, fueled by the passion for their craft and the pride of representing Mauritius. The energy in the room was electric, with fans from around the world cheering on their favorite teams and sharing in the excitement of the culinary showdown.
A Proud Result: 19th Place out of 24 Participants
After a day of intense competition, our Mauritian team emerged with a remarkable 19th place finish out of 24 participating countries. This achievement is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the rich culinary traditions of Mauritius. The experience of competing at the highest level of gastronomy has not only enriched our chefs' skills but has also opened doors for new opportunities and collaborations that will elevate the Mauritian culinary scene.
Go to the September 2022 African final gallery