On September 12 and 13, 2024, Marrakech will become the culinary capital of Africa, hosting the prestigious Tournoi Officiel des Chefs Afrique (TOC Afrique). This gastronomic competition will bring together some of the finest chefs from across the continent to compete in two highly anticipated events: the Bocuse d’Or Africa and the African Pastry Cup.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, TOC Afrique is more than just a cooking competition. It is a celebration of Africa’s rich culinary heritage and an embodiment of the King’s vision to honor Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage and promote South-South cooperation. Organized by Rahal Event, the creators of the renowned CREMAI trade show, the event strengthens Marrakech’s reputation as Africa’s gastronomy hub.
The competition will take place at the luxurious Palmeraie Rotana Resort and is designed to be a platform for innovation and creativity, showcasing not just culinary prowess but the deep cultural connections across African cuisine. According to the organizers, TOC Afrique will also contribute to promoting Moroccan tourism and hospitality by highlighting the country’s leadership in the culinary arts.
On September 12, chefs from Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, and Senegal will go head-to-head in the Bocuse d’Or Africa, one of the continent’s top gastronomic competitions. Over five hours and 35 minutes, the chefs will face two challenging tests. In the first, the “Platter Theme,” they will have to prepare a roasted beef ribeye and veal sweetbreads, accompanied by three vegetable garnishes, one of which must reflect their national cuisine. This challenge will allow them to display their mastery of African culinary traditions while meeting international presentation standards.
The second test, the “Plate Theme,” will require the creation of a three-course menu centered around carrots. Chefs must prepare an appetizer, a main course featuring three pieces of scallops, and a dessert. Participants can also incorporate an additional plant-based protein to demonstrate their creativity in blending local flavors with modern techniques.
The following day, on September 13, the African Pastry Cup will take center stage, with teams from Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia competing. These pastry chefs will engage in a grueling 10-hour contest, split into “Tasting” and “Artistic” events. Their intricate and visually stunning creations will be judged not only on flavor but also on artistry, underscoring the creativity and technical skills of Africa’s leading pastry experts.
This competition serves as a platform for chefs to display the trends and techniques shaping African pastry, while also honoring their cultural roots. The winners from both the Bocuse d’Or Africa and the African Pastry Cup will earn the right to represent their countries at the grand finals, to be held at the prestigious SIRHA trade show in Lyon in 2025.
By hosting TOC Afrique, Morocco reaffirms its status as a leader in the world of hospitality and gastronomy. This event not only enhances the country’s culinary standing but also reinforces its role as a key player in fostering African cooperation. The exchange of culinary knowledge and cultural traditions during TOC Afrique transcends borders, paving the way for stronger connections across the continent.
In summary, TOC Afrique 2024 is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of Africa’s gastronomic diversity, a showcase of talent, and a tribute to the power of food in bringing people together.
