The African jollof rice war amongst countries mostly from West Africa was reignited on Wednesday, April 6 at Stadin Ammattiopisto, Helsinki City vocational school. Seven countries took part in the culinary event which was organised by Diaspora Glitz Magazine, a magazine for the African diaspora.
The countries that participated are; Ghana, Cameroon, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
Group photo of the competitors, the rector of the school, the organiser and students
This was the first time such a competition of international standards will be organised for the African diaspora in Finland. Despite organising the competition during the weekday, the turnout was impressive as friends and families of the competitors came to show support for their own.
The winner from Senegal Kamsarr Mbaye flanked by the judges.
The organiser of the competition, Hon Obi-West Utchaychukwu, the Editor-in-Chief of Diaspora Glitz Magazine and also the founder of Miss Afro Diaspora Finland, a beauty pageant for young ladies of African descent ensured that the competition is transparent and without partiality.
Members of the jury are; Mr Paco Ndiaye, CEO Nomad Food and Wine, Turku, the CEO of Addis Kitchen in Helsinki, the CEO of Bantu Kitchen in Helsinki, Pamela Mesumbe, Natalia Mufutau (Naija Wifey) and Karin Laubert, a food specialist at Snellman Kokkikartano.
Monica Balogun from Sierra Leone came 2nd
Senegal won the cooking competition, Sierra Leone came second while Cameroon finished 3rd. Cash gifts for the winners was donated my Nomad Food and Wine and Uyanna Export Oy, both are Turku based companies.
The date for the second edition of the cooking event will be announced later.
Nadine Noudou from Cameroon finished 3rd
Collation of the results by the judges
Guests at the event
The Gambia
Cameroon
Nigeria
Liberia
Ghana
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Find the list of the sponsors and collaborators below:
1. DKSuomi
2. Addis Kitchen
3. Nomad Food And Wine
4. AFARS
5. Stadin Amattiopisto
6. COFAS HOIVA OY
7. Bantu Kitchen
8. GIDI Restaurant
9. Zongo Afro Shop
10. Multi Shoppi
11. HEED Finland
12. Mini Prix
13. Diaspora Glitz Magazine
14. Women Who Care International Kotka
15. KC Lawrence
16. Uyanna Export
17. Spice Town
18. Prince Ikechukwu
19. Finori Oy
20. El-Guapo Korobad
21. Colette Zeyeum
