African culinary art takes stage as season II of Diaspora Kitchen Festival opens in Cameroon

Chefs from Cameroon and abroad are exchanging ideas, establishing cooperation networks and standardising culinary processes at Cameroon’s largest culinary art festival, dubbed  “Diaspora Kitchen”.

The second edition of the event opened in the picturesque town of Mouanko in the Sanaga Maritime Division of the Littoral Region on Thursday, February 20. It  seeks to promote African Culinary Art, protect Cameroon’s culinary heritage, and provide training opportunities for culinary professionals.

Organized by Diaspora Kitchen Association (DKA) under the aegis of the Minister of State, Minister of Tourism and Leisure, the gathering has brought together more than 50 chefs  to showcase the best of African culinary art from traditional Cameroonian cuisine to modern fusion dishes.

Themed “African Culinary Art: Between Heritage and Modernity”, the four-day event organisers say, aims to promote and protect African culinary traditions, offer training workshops for chefs and professionals.

They also said it will build networks between local, diaspora, and international chefs and strengthen cultural exchange through culinary diplomacy among others.

Besides chefs, the event has brought together tourism establishments, training schools, decentralised local authorities, diplomats, consular chambers, restaurateurs, food enthusiasts, and cultural performers from across the globe, to showcase the richness of African cuisine and its diaspora influences.

Also on the festival’s agenda are; training workshops and conferences, exhibitions, food and wine pairings and tastings, culinary showcases and masterclasses. It will touch on diverse issues including culinary diplomacy, standardisation, normalisation and the codification of culinary art processes.

Meet some chefs

Over 50 international chefs from the United States, France, Pakistan, Madagascar, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria among others are taking part in the second edition of the festival.

Among the Cameroonian stars sharing their knowhow at the event is Eric Medjo, a Cameroonian chef who studied in France and worked in the United States. After spending 20 years abroad, Medjo returned home and now owns two restaurants in the nation’s capital, Yaounde.

A political science graduate turned culinary innovator, Chef Essome transitioned from launching a Yaounde restaurant to training at Chef Émile Engoulou’s H2T Academy (diplomas in Tourism Management & Culinary Engineering). She honed her craft at Yaounde Hilton, Moulin de France, and Cercle Municipal before founding ETHNIC, her private chef consultancy blending Cameroonian traditions with modern gastronomy. A mentor to young chefs, she champions Cameroonian cuisine globally, advocating for sustainability and cultural pride.

Among international headliners at the culinary convergence is trailblazing Pakistani chef, Faiza Bilal Khan. As Pakistan’s first pastry Olympian (2024), she proudly represented her country at the Culinary Olympics.

Organisers of the Mouanko culinary art event say with her international culinary judge certification, Faiza is a force to reckon with. Her expertise spans consulting, training, and culinary innovation.

Aurore Danthez is a Marseille-based chef inspired by Provençal terroir and sustainable cuisine. She is one of four talented chefs from the second-most populous city in France who are showcasing their encounter with Cameroon through culinary demonstrations and explorations at the festival. With experience in communication and training at Michelin-starred restaurant Saisons, she brings a unique perspective to the culinary world, organisers of the Mouanko event say.

Why Mouanko?

The town of Mouanko is endowed with cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is a town with a rich history, known for its resilience and resistance. It was the site of the first telephone line in Cameroon and is home to the historic Marienberg Church, a stunning example of German architecture.

The town boasts a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture, and its stunning landscapes offer a glimpse into Cameroon’s diverse ecosystems.

Mouanko is also a tourist gem, with its beautiful beaches, lush mangroves, and pristine wildlife reserves. Visitors can explore the town’s charming fishing villages, take a magical yacht trip, or simply relax on the stunning Yoyo beach.

Participants at the festival will savour the city’s cultural and scenic sites through guided touristic visits on Sunday, February 23, which has been reserved as “Touristic Day”.

First published in NewsWatch newspaper No. 200 of Friday, February 21, 2025.