Jegatheepan, who runs Fournil Didot at 103 Rue Didot in Paris’ 14th arrondissement, impressed judges with a baguette that stood out for its appearance, taste, baking quality, crumb structure, aeration, size, and salt balance. His victory earns him a €4,000 prize and the coveted honor of supplying baguettes to the Élysée Palace the official residence of the French president for one year.
The annual competition, organized by the City of Paris, was presided over by Deputy Mayor Nicolas Bonnet Oulaldj. A diverse jury comprising professional bakers, journalists, and Paris residents evaluated 143 baguettes before crowning Jegatheepan’s creation the best traditional French baguette of 2026.
Following the announcement, customers flocked to Fournil Didot, eager to taste the award-winning loaf. Long queues formed outside the neighborhood bakery as locals celebrated the remarkable achievement.
Jegatheepan’s victory adds to a growing legacy of Sri Lankan excellence in Parisian baking. In 2023, fellow Sri Lankan-origin baker Tharshan Selvarajah became the first Sri Lankan to win the same prestigious title.
For Jegatheepan, the award marks not just professional success but a testament to perseverance and dedication a story of immigrant determination rising to the pinnacle of one of France’s most cherished culinary traditions.
