The Gambia’s culinary team has clinched the coveted Jollof Rice Competition title at this year’s West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) in Accra, Ghana, outshining fierce rivals Nigeria and Ghana. The victory marks another triumph for Team Gambia, whose skillful blend of tradition and innovation continues to dazzle on the regional stage.
Led by Chef Musa Darboe, the Gambia Chefs Association, backed by the Gambia Tourism Board under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, showcased their culinary prowess in a heated contest that captivated food enthusiasts. The annual WAFFEST, launched in 2018, is a vibrant celebration of Africa’s rich gastronomic heritage, uniting chefs to showcase time-honored recipes alongside bold, modern twists. Beyond the food, the festival fosters cultural exchange, youth empowerment, and regional unity, making it a cornerstone of West African culinary arts.
This year’s Jollof Rice Competition saw The Gambia, Nigeria, and Ghana go head-to-head in a flavorful showdown. The Gambia’s winning dish, a masterful rendition of the beloved West African staple, impressed judges with its perfect balance of spices, vibrant presentation, and authentic flair. The victory adds to The Gambia’s impressive WAFFEST legacy, having previously secured Best Chef and Best Dessert in 2019 and the Jollof Rice War title in Lagos in 2023.
Chef Darboe credited the team’s success to their deep respect for Gambian culinary traditions and their willingness to innovate. “This win is for The Gambia and our vibrant culture. We poured our hearts into every grain of rice,” he said after the announcement.
The festival, held in Accra’s bustling cultural hub, drew thousands of attendees who savored dishes, enjoyed live music, and celebrated the region’s diversity. For The Gambia, the victory is more than a culinary achievement—it’s a moment of national pride, showcasing the country’s growing influence in West Africa’s gastronomic scene.
In 2023, Gambia through Award Wining Chef, phenomenal chef, Saikou Bojang, guided the country’s Chef’s Association to a Jolof rice triumph among countries claiming to be the home of Jolof rice, in the competition held in Nigeria, which was centered around the debate on the origins of the Jollof rice, The Gambia came on top when the country competed against Ghana and Nigeria in cooking four different flavors of the Jollof rice.
