The much-loved Native Meals Fest, an annual initiative by the Tourism Division, celebrated its third profitable version over the Nationwide Day weekend, on Saturday, twenty eighth June, and Sunday, twenty ninth June, at Roche Caïman.
This 12 months, the pageant shaped a part of the Agricultural and Meals Present, a key spotlight of the Nationwide Day festivities. Its inclusion—on the request of the Nationwide Day Occasions Committee—displays the rising reputation of the occasion and its important function in selling Seychellois culinary heritage.
As in earlier years, the occasion introduced collectively a curated choice of licensed service suppliers, together with accommodations, eating places, and beverage retailers. Eleven individuals took half this 12 months, together with Seybrew, Takamaka Bay (Trois Frères Distillery), Constance Ephelia, Endemic Rum, Carana Seaside Resort, Story Resort, Hilton Seychelles properties, East Indies, Kempinski Seychelles, Minor Inns (Anantara and Avani+), and 4 Seasons Resort Seychelles.
Every showcased their most interesting Creole-inspired creations, with individuals inspired to make use of domestically sourced elements and environmentally pleasant practices, reflecting the Tourism Division’s broader dedication to sustainability.
Over the two-day celebration, locals and guests alike had been handled to a vibrant culinary expertise. Creole dishes had been creatively “revisited” by every institution, with menus thoughtfully incorporating conventional spices and medicinal crops, lots of which had been additionally featured in distinctive cocktails and mocktails.
Every dish and drink instructed a narrative, remodeling homegrown elements into memorable gastronomic narratives. The occasion provided visitors not only a style of Seychelles however a deeper connection to its tradition, traditions, and pure richness.
Talking on the occasion, Mrs Bernadette Willemin, Director Basic for Vacation spot Advertising, acknowledged:
“After we promote Seychelles, we’re not simply promoting a vacation spot; we’re showcasing our tradition—and our delicacies performs an important function in that story.”
She praised the colourful environment, applauding the keenness of distributors and the general public alike. She additionally recommended the artistic use of native elements, noting how individuals each honoured genuine Creole gastronomy and launched modern twists.
In step with custom, the occasion additionally featured a culinary competitors, including an thrilling edge to the festivities. Shields had been awarded to the highest three winners:
- First Place – 4 Seasons Resort Seychelles
- Second Place – Takamaka Bay (Trois Frères Distillery)
- Third Place – Carana Seaside Resort
A panel of judges evaluated entries on a number of key standards: stall décor, visible attraction of dishes, sustainability practices, workers presentation, and total culinary creativity.
The Folks’s Alternative Award, primarily based on public votes, went to Constance Ephelia, whose flavours resonated most with attendees.
Trophies had been introduced by Mrs Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, and Mrs Bernadette Willemin, lending a distinguished near the competitors.
In her deal with, Mrs Francis highlighted the importance of the Meals Fest in preserving and celebrating Seychellois culinary traditions. She prolonged heartfelt because of all collaborating companions for his or her dedication and creativity.
“We’re elated to see that this 12 months’s participation exceeded expectations and constructed on final 12 months’s success,” she mentioned. “The rising curiosity in utilizing native elements, adopting sustainable practices, and storytelling by way of meals displays precisely the path we wish to take as a vacation spot.”
Mrs Francis additionally praised the sturdy collaborative spirit between the Tourism Division and repair suppliers, noting that such partnerships are key to enhancing the customer expertise whereas fostering nationwide delight in native traditions.
About Tourism Seychelles
Tourism Seychelles is the official vacation spot advertising organisation for the Seychelles Islands. Dedicated to showcasing the islands’ distinctive pure magnificence, cultural heritage, and opulent experiences, Tourism Seychelles performs a pivotal function in selling Seychelles as a premier journey vacation spot worldwide.