In Paris, a baguette is not just food, it’s part of everyday life. This long, golden loaf is something people pick up fresh every morning from their neighbourhood bakery. To find out who makes the very best one, a competition was held. And guess what? A Sri Lankan-born baker won the Grand Prix de la Baguette 2026. Scroll down to know more.
Sri Lankan Baker Makes Best Baguette In Paris
A Sri Lankan-born baker has just won one of Paris’s biggest food honours for making the best baguette in the city. As per NSTV, Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan bagged the Grand Prix de la Baguette 2026, one of France’s most respected baking awards. He works at Fournil Didot, a cosy neighbourhood bakery in Paris’s 14th arrondissement. What was more impressive was that he won the award on his first try.
The City of Paris announced the winner on February 26 after a serious bread battle. This year, 143 baguettes competed for the title. The competition is a big deal every year because it celebrates skill, tradition, and pride. The winner also gets the honour of representing France’s most iconic bread for the next 12 months.
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What Impressed The Judges The Most?
The judges didn’t pick the winner easily. According to NDTV, they carefully checked every baguette based on appearance, taste, texture, salt balance, baking quality, and size. Every small detail mattered in finding the best one. The 2026 jury was led by Nicolas Bonnet Oulaldj, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of craftsmanship. Food experts, journalists, and local residents also joined him. They blind-tasted 143 baguettes before choosing the winner
Jegatheepan’s baguette stood out for its perfect balance and quality. The judges praised his baking skills and said his bread truly felt like a classic Parisian baguette. He won €4,000 in prize money, and his bakery will also supply baguettes to the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French President, for one year.
Have you ever tasted a baguette? Tell us in the comments below!
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