Banjul to Host Inaugural ‘Benachin’ Festival, Young Chef Announces

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

Chef Ya Mai Sey, founder of Jarra’s Restaurant and Catering Services, has announced plans to host the first-ever ‘Benachin’ Festival in Banjul on July 24.

The young entrepreneur, who celebrated 10 years in business last year after launching her catering venture at just 19, has grown her company from a small kitchen in Banjul into one of The Gambia’s leading catering businesses. She now employs 15 people and hopes to expand her brand nationwide.

Despite winning the Best Pastry Chef of the Year award at the 2019 West Africa Chefs Competition, Sey said her age continues to be one of the challenges she faces in the industry.

The festival will bring together aspiring young chefs from three institutions in Banjul to showcase their culinary talents through a Benachin cooking competition.

“The competition will feature one contestant each from the Hotel School, YMCA and the Skill Centre,” she told The Fatu Network.

“We will also have tickets available for the festival, and participants and guests will enjoy delicious Benachin and beverages.”

Sey called on Gambians to turn out in large numbers to support the initiative and witness the culinary talent of the city’s young chefs.