By: Alieu Ceesay
In a vibrant celebration of culture and cuisine, Gambia has emerged as a shining star in the culinary world, becoming the first country in West Africa to win five gold medals in gastronomy. This historic achievement was made possible by the relentless efforts and vision of Gambia’s ambassador of gastronomy, Saikou Bojang, who has passionately championed the nation’s rich culinary traditions on the global stage.
Best Of Gastronomy International, based in France, awarded the medals to the five Gambian Chefs.
One ambassador’s passion and dedication have brought international acclaim to the tiny West African nation of Gambia by embracing the rich culinary heritage of Gambia.
The team comprises five brilliant star Chefs: Yaya Balder as the Secretary-General, Saikou Jawara as Coordinator, Lainab Gomez as Treasurer, Dembo Bojang Media, PR, and Mr. Saikou Bojang Ambassador, all of whom were awarded the Best of Gastronomie International.
President of Best of Gastronomy George Grundwuld, in awarding the medals, described Chef Bojang as one of the best in gastronomy.
” Chef Bojang should be a national asset for Gambia.🇬🇲 He is among the most respected and valued Chef for Best of Gastronomie. His expertise has sparked him to be among the writers of the Book 100 Chefs 100 recipes. We look forward to his events in The Gambia. Gambia is known to us because of His knowledge and passion towards skills development.”
Through Saikou’s resourcefulness and tireless advocacy, Gambia has garnered unprecedented recognition. “This achievement is a testament to our nation’s vibrant and diverse culinary heritage,” said the Bojang. “We have shown the world that Gambia has much to offer in gastronomy.”
The journey to this remarkable milestone involves organizing a grand food expo highlighting the country’s heritage cuisine. These events have showcased Gambian dishes and fostered a sense of pride and identity among the local chefs and culinary enthusiasts.
Central to this success has been Chef Bojang’s instrumental role in the creation of the acclaimed recipe book 100 Recipes, 100 Chefs, 1 Book. Out of over 260,000 chefs globally, the ambassador was honored to be among the top 100 selected to contribute to this prestigious collection. The book features Gambia’s beloved dish, Yassa, putting it on the culinary map and celebrating its unique flavors.
“Being chosen to represent Gambia in this global culinary anthology was a humbling experience,” shared the ambassador Bojang. “It was proud to see our famous Yassa featured among the world’s best recipes.”
Recognition and accolades have come with hard work and challenges. It required dedication, creativity, and a deep love for Gambian culture. The ambassador’s efforts have elevated Gambia’s status in the culinary world and inspired many young chefs to pursue their passion for cooking.
“We aim to continue organizing food expositions and promoting our heritage cuisine,” the ambassador added. “Our goal is to keep the spirit of gastronomy alive and thriving in Gambia, ensuring that our culinary traditions are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.”
This monumental achievement has set a new benchmark in West Africa and is a testament to what can be accomplished with vision, passion, and dedication.
This team’s culinary future looks bright, with its rich gastronomic heritage now firmly in the global spotlight.
