From Migrant Swimmer to Rising Star Chef: Moroccan Teen’s Culinary Journey

When leaving Tetouan, Chouaib had only one goal in mind: to become the best chef in the world. In a recent interview with the EFE agency, he recounts his journey since his arrival in Spain and how he managed to achieve his goal, through hard work and sacrifice. The young Moroccan was awarded the Sol Repsol a few days ago, a prize that rewards effort. Chouaib is not stopping at this distinction. He is already aiming for a Michelin star.

Chouaib says he blossoms and finds peace when he cooks. "Cooking is like an art, I call it the culinary art," he told EFE. The young man has also just won the award for "Best Restaurant in the World". A success that does not go to his head because he knows where he comes from and what difficulties he has overcome to reach this level, he said, referring to his risky swim to Ceuta and his stay in the streets of the autonomous city, which he remembers badly.

Chouaib recounts how he was later arrested by the police and placed in a youth center. It was in this center that he learned Spanish and decided to follow culinary training and realize his dream of becoming a professional chef. Today, he lives with other young people in an apartment. He says he is "very happy" in Spain, even though he is far from his family and friends in Morocco. They are all proud of me, he consoles himself, hoping to see them soon to make up for lost time.