Benin/"Le Meilleur Tablier du Local" (The Best Apron in the Local Area): An original competition to reveal Benin's culinary talents

There are initiatives that mark a turning point. The Culinary Competition "Le Meilleur Tablier du Local", the first of its kind in Benin, stood out as one of the finest innovations of the 6ᵉ edition of the Mois du Consommer Local. More than a competition, it was a true celebration of Benin's gastronomic genius, driven by a rigorous, transparent and inclusive process.

Designed to highlight the talents of the 12 départements and showcase the richness of local produce, the competition attracted entries from all over the country, revealing a wealth of flavors, histories and know-how. To guarantee the credibility of the final ranking, the entire process was structured around a clear, traceable and balanced mechanism: 50% for the jury, 50% for the public during the video phases, then 100% jury evaluation for the grand final.

Broadcast on social networks, the call for entries generated a huge response. Each participant had to send in a culinary video in a standard format. The jury's criteria included the length and quality of the video, the presentation of the candidate and his or her department, the use of a typical dish and local ingredients, and the coherence and clarity of the message. At the same time, the public voted via a secure WhatsApp platform, strictly limited to one vote per person.

The 12 departments were grouped into six pairs, each with six candidates from the pre-selection. At the end of this stage, three national finalists secured their place in Cotonou.

In front of an exclusive judging panel headed by Valérie VINAKPON, the finalists presented their dishes live, assessed on : hygiene and technical mastery, nutritional value, culinary creativity and innovative presentation. It was at the end of this final verdict that the three best local aprons in Benin were revealed.

The national podium: three talents honoring Beninese cuisine.

● 3ᵉ Prize: Ella Michelle GOHOUE (Abomey, Zou) She walks away with 200,000 FCFA, a medal, a trophy, a certificate and several other awards.

● 2ᵉ Prize: Zacharie TOSSOU (Lokossa, Mono) He won 300,000 FCFA, a medal, a trophy and an attestation of recognition.

● 1st Prize: Best Local Apron 2025: Abde Rayanath SEIBOU TOLEBA (Djougou, Donga) She becomes the first holder of the Local Apron, with 500,000 FCFA, a Gold medal, a special trophy, a certificate and many other gifts.

These three prizewinners embody inventiveness, mastery of local products and a determination to raise the profile of Beninese cuisine. The prizes were awarded on November 21, 2025 at the Maison Rouge in Cotonou, during the closing ceremony of the Mois du Consommer Local. It was an evening rich in color and emotion, presided over by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr. Éric Kader GBIAN TABE, representing Minister Alimatou Shadiya ASSOUMAN.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Madame Maryse LOKOSSOU, General Manager of the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations du Bénin, and was an opportunity to salute the partners who had supported this first edition.

Beyond the trophies, this competition leaves a strong imprint: that of a gastronomic Benin resolutely turned towards the valorization of the local, creativity and the promotion of regional talents.

"Le Meilleur Tablier du Local" is more than a competition: it's a promise. A promise to celebrate, every year, those who make our flavors shine with passion, audacity and identity.

Source: www.gouv.bj/