In a rare moment of levity amid diplomatic duties, foreign ambassadors in Zimbabwe took off their ties and put on aprons as they competed in the second annual #AmbassadorsCookOff—a culinary contest that turned traditional diplomacy on its head.
The event, organized by Zimbabwe’s online food collective TeamFulo, invited diplomats to prepare a staple village meal: free-range chicken with rice in peanut butter sauce. The competition, held last month, challenged participants not only to cook but to immerse themselves in local culture, cuisine, and community traditions.
The winning dish came from Dutch Ambassador Margret Verwijk, whose presentation and culinary flair resonated most with voters in the public online poll. Australian Ambassador Minoli Perera earned second place, while Pakistani Ambassador Murad Baseer secured third. Other participants included envoys from the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, and France.
Far from the polished corridors of embassies, the ambassadors sourced ingredients from township markets, cooked on open fires, and embraced Zimbabwean culinary customs—speaking Shona, bargaining in bustling stalls, and using traditional clay and iron pots.
French Ambassador Paul-Bertrand Barets, one of the more enthusiastic participants, noted the significance of stepping outside formal diplomatic settings. “We’re living in tense times. This was a chance to show our human side, to connect,” he said.
Despite France’s global culinary reputation, Barets didn’t place in the top three. Yet his videos—chasing chickens through dusty markets and showcasing cooking skills—drew notable online engagement and brought attention to France’s broader cooperation efforts in Zimbabwe.
The dish at the heart of the challenge—made with “road runner” chickens—carries cultural weight in Zimbabwean households. These hardy, free-range birds are known for their tough meat and rich flavor, making them a rural delicacy and a prized dish in urban restaurants.
British Ambassador Pete Vowles stood out for his comic flair and deep community engagement. He documented his culinary journey with Shona-language narration and shared his ride home aboard a crowded public minibus while cradling a live chicken. The footage sparked widespread amusement, with online followers commenting on his humility and nostalgic portrayal of rural life. “Now you make me miss my rural home,” one viewer wrote.
Vowles was awarded the Choice Award, which recognized the ambassador who best connected with the public both online and on the ground.
TeamFulo commended the diplomats not only for their cooking but for their respect for Zimbabwean traditions. “You reminded us of the richness of our culinary heritage. You brought the spirit of community to life,” the group said in a statement.
Ambassador Perera, dubbed “Chihera” by fans—a totem representing powerful, independent women—earned praise for her hands-on effort. Seen kneeling on a reed mat and stirring an iron pot over open flames, she embodied the spirit of rural hospitality.
In a country where diplomacy often plays out through formal press statements and protocol, the cookoff offered something refreshingly different: connection through culture, food, and laughter.
“We wanted to show that we are not statues in suits,” said Barets. “We’re here, we’re human, and we’re listening.”
The #AmbassadorsCookOff may have crowned a culinary champion, but the real victory was in the bonds forged across cultures—one shared meal at a time.