Bocuse d'Or 2026: Morocco and Mauritius qualify for the world final in Lyon

Morocco and Mauritius will represent Africa at the Bocuse d'Or world final, scheduled for January 2027 in Lyon, France. Both countries secured their spots during the continental selection held in Agadir, Morocco, from September 22 to 24, 2026, according to allAfrica.

Six nations in competition

Six countries participated in these African trials: host nation Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Mauritius. Morocco won the gold medal, Mauritius took silver, and Egypt earned bronze. Only the top two spots granted access to the world final.

The candidates had 5 hours and 30 minutes to prepare two dishes: a platter featuring a saddle of lamb, and a plate combining sea bream and brown shrimp. The requirements specified the inclusion of citrus fruits, akara – the well-known West African bean fritter – and a revisited beurre blanc sauce. The jury evaluated technical mastery, cooking, respect for the ingredients, creativity, and presentation.

Mauritius confirms, Morocco doubles down

For Mauritius, this qualification extends a remarkable streak: the island had won continental gold in 2022 and silver in 2024, allAfrica recalls. Its delegation consisted of chef Nitilesh Beharee, commis Parikshit Seegoolam, and coach Vikash Coonjan.

Morocco also shone at the World Pastry Cup, the African selection for which took place in parallel. On September 23, the Moroccan team won with 1,569 points, ahead of Mauritius (1,563 points), a difference of only six points. Both countries are qualified for the world final.

African gastronomy on the world stage

Created in 1987 by French chef Paul Bocuse, the Bocuse d'Or is considered one of the most demanding culinary competitions in the world. The presence of an African continental selection offers the continent's chefs a showcase to highlight their expertise and products, such as the akara required this year. See you in Lyon in January 2027 to see if Africa can climb onto the world podium.