Mali: Burkinabe cuisine shone at the International Handicrafts Fair of Mali (SIAMA 2025) due to the participation of Mrs. Balma, restaurateur and promoter of the Akwaba restaurant, located in Koupla.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Ms. Balma won this year's culture and tourism prize and was chosen to represent Burkina Faso during the day dedicated to guest countries of honor. She embraced this mission enthusiastically to "promote Burkinabe culture."

During the tasting evening, Mrs. Balma showcased a selection of traditional dishes emblematic of Burkinabe cuisine. The dishes included zamne, tierno, gonr, bicycle chicken with soumbala, polpore, and the renowned babenda. She also introduced moujila, a rice prepared in balls, which was a new experience for many Malian attendees.

The public's reception exceeded Ms. Balma's expectations. She reported that all the dishes were completely consumed, indicating a strong interest in Burkinabe gastronomy. Even the Malian minister present enjoyed the tierno and requested the recipe for chicken sauted with soumbala. "Malians ate everything, nothing remained. They really liked what we brought," she noted.

Despite facing some difficulties, the delegation swiftly adapted recipes using local products to ensure the presentation's success. Ms. Balma praised the cohesion and support from Malian partners that facilitated their stay.

As an ambassador for local dishes, she emphasized the importance of returning to traditional cuisine, which she believes is richer and more distinctive than modern dishes. She encouraged Burkinabe women restaurateurs to promote ancestral recipes to support the national policy of local processing launched by the authorities.

Following this successful participation, Ms. Balma expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Culture for their trust and hopes this experience will help further promote Burkinabe cuisine internationally.