Diplomacy Meets the Dinner Table: Ambassadors Stir Up Unity in Zimbabwe Through Cooking Contest

(3 Minutes Read)

In a global climate marked by trade wars, tariffs, and diplomatic strain, foreign ambassadors in Zimbabwe found a more joyful way to compete: a culinary showdown.

Last month, envoys from several nations exchanged official memos for cooking utensils in the second annual #AmbassadorsCookOff — a light-hearted competition to prepare the most appealing version of a beloved Zimbabwean village dish: chicken with rice in a peanut butter sauce. The public judged the contest online, voting based on the diplomats’ posted photos.

“With international relations often strained, it’s refreshing to relax and have fun,” said France’s ambassador, Paul-Bertrand Barets, one of the competitors. Despite his country’s rich culinary heritage, Barets didn’t take home the title. That honour went to Dutch Ambassador Margret Verwijk, with Australian Ambassador Minoli Perera securing second place and Pakistani envoy Murad Baseer — nicknamed the “flavor master” — taking third. Participants also included representatives from Canada, the U.K., Turkey, and others.

The chosen dish itself carries cultural weight. Made using “road runner” chickens — robust, free-range birds known for their tough but flavorful meat — the meal is a staple in Zimbabwean rural cooking and a sought-after delicacy in urban eateries.

Organized by TeamFulo, a popular local foodie community, the event encouraged ambassadors to dive deep into Zimbabwean food culture. They sourced ingredients from township markets, bargained in Shona, and cooked over open fires using traditional clay and iron pots. Their social media posts captured everything from humorous market scenes to the intricacies of village-style cooking. The public responded warmly. Many Zimbabweans, watching online, saw a rare and genuine attempt by foreign diplomats to engage with local life. Fans assigned the ambassadors Shona totems — symbols of respect and kinship — and cheered them on with affectionate praise.

Australian Ambassador Perera was dubbed “Chihera,” a title for strong, independent women, after kneeling on a reed mat to tend to a traditional iron pot. British Ambassador Pete Vowles became a fan favourite with his enthusiastic Shona cooking commentary and memorable moments, like carrying a live road runner chicken in a crowded minibus, drawing laughter and nostalgia. Vowles received the Choice Award, given to the envoy who most effectively connected with the public, both online and in person.

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 “You reminded us of the richness in our culinary traditions,” TeamFulo wrote. “You brought the spirit of community to life.” Ambassador Barets noted that his videos — including one of him chasing a chicken through a market — not only entertained but also drew more attention to France’s diplomatic initiatives in Zimbabwe, a country now enjoying thawing relations with the West after years of sanctions.