A Sri Lankan–born baker has risen to the pinnacle of France’s most iconic culinary tradition. Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan, 43, has won the prestigious Grand Prix de la Baguette, earning the title of best traditional baguette in Paris.
His neighborhood bakery, Le Fournil de Didot, triumphed over 142 competitors with its “Baguette Tradition,” impressing judges with its taste, aroma, crust, and texture.
“This was my first time participating, and I won straight away,” Jegatheepan said following the announcement.
Along with a €4,000 prize, the victory brings heightened recognition and the honor of supplying baguettes to the Élysée Palace, the official residence of Emmanuel Macron. The award traditionally includes a meeting with the French head of state — a prospect Jegatheepan described with delight.
From Sri Lanka to the Baguette Throne
Born in Sri Lanka, Jegatheepan moved to France in 2003. He initially worked various jobs in the restaurant industry before discovering a passion for baking. Over time, he immersed himself in the craft of traditional French breadmaking.
He took over Le Fournil de Didot in 2022. Today, he and his team bake around 650 baguettes daily. Each loaf is baked at 270 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. His secret, he says, lies in patience — the dough rests for at least 24 hours before baking.
Preserving a Cultural Symbol
Now in its 33rd year, the Grand Prix de la Baguette brings together baking experts, journalists, and randomly selected Paris residents to judge the city’s finest loaves. The competition reflects France’s dedication to preserving its baking heritage.
In 2022, UNESCO added the “artisanal production and culture of the baguette” to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing the bread’s deep cultural significance.
Shortly after his victory was announced, customers filled the small bakery to congratulate him and his team. “That motivates me to become even better,” Jegatheepan said — a testament to how passion, patience, and perseverance can transform a neighborhood bakery into Paris’s finest.
