From Mountain Hut to Bronze: Swiss Chef Pascal Siakam’s EuroSkills Triumph

Pascal Siakam, a Swiss chef and professional soldier, has won a bronze medal at EuroSkills 2023 in Gdańsk, Poland. His journey began in a mountain hut kitchen at 2,032 metres above sea level, where he spent his earliest years surrounded by pots and stoves. Now, he balances military service with high-level cooking competitions—all while aiming for perfection in the kitchen.

Pascal's love for cooking started at just three years old. Growing up in the Windgällen Hut, he spent most of his time in the kitchen, watching and learning. Despite scepticism from others, his parents encouraged his passion, providing steady support over the years.

His dedication paid off when he qualified for EuroSkills, a major competition for young professionals. There, he faced around 600 rivals from 32 countries. The challenge required him to prepare seven flawless courses over three days—a test of skill, precision, and endurance. Using his barracks in Thun as a base, Pascal trained rigorously while working as a soldier. His family, including his girlfriend, stood by him, admiring his commitment. On the final day, his dish—a chicken breast in a mushroom crust—earned him Switzerland's bronze medal. Unlike other competitors, Pascal was the only Swiss chef mentioned in the results. Most participants came from Austria, with one German stonemason, Jakob Enzensberger, also making headlines.

Pascal's bronze medal marks a rare Swiss achievement at EuroSkills 2023. His military discipline and lifelong passion for cooking helped him succeed against Europe's top young chefs. The win also highlights the support of his family, who backed him from his earliest days in a mountain kitchen.