Gambia has once again distinguished itself on the West African culinary scene by winning the award for the best jollof rice preparation for the second consecutive year at the 2026 West African Food Festival (WAFFEST), held in Banjul.
The country outperformed several competitors, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, in this competition dedicated to one of the region’s most popular dishes.
Having already won in 2025, Gambia thus confirms its position in the culinary rivalry surrounding jollof rice, an iconic West African specialty and a source of national pride in several countries, particularly Ghana and Nigeria.
Held from October 15 to 21, 2026, in Banjul, this edition of WAFFEST brought together participants from different countries to celebrate the diversity of West African culinary traditions, the richness of gastronomic heritage, and innovation in the food industry.
Beyond the competition, the festival aimed to showcase regional cuisine, promote local chefs, and increase the international visibility of businesses in the food sector. It also encouraged the sharing of expertise, professional exchanges, and the establishment of partnerships among stakeholders in gastronomy, hospitality, and catering.
The program also featured “China Day” on October 18, a day dedicated to discovering Chinese cuisine and cultural traditions. Members of the Association of Chinese Residents in Gambia participated in this initiative, which highlighted exchanges between communities.
On this occasion, a Chinese cooking competition was organized. A Chinese chef serving on the jury presented several specialties from his country and shared his experience with local participants, offering practical advice on preparation techniques.
Through this edition, WAFFEST combined the celebration of West African culinary heritage, the promotion of local talent, and openness to other culinary cultures.
