What was Saulo Jennings' reaction to the Earthshot prize's vegan menu request?

Saulo Jennings, an acclaimed Amazonian chef, was reportedly outraged when the organizers of Prince William's Earthshot prize asked him to prepare an entirely vegan menu, excluding the region's iconic pirarucu fish.

What role did Jennings secure for the upcoming Cop30 conference?

Instead of the Earthshot prize, Jennings has been commissioned to cook for the Norwegian and Chinese delegations at the upcoming Cop30 conference, where he will be able to highlight the Amazon's diverse flavors and serve pirarucu.

Home / Environment / Amazonian Chef Rejects Vegan Demand for Earthshot Prize Ceremony

Amazonian Chef Rejects Vegan Demand for Earthshot Prize Ceremony

3 Nov

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Summary

Acclaimed Amazonian chef outraged over request for vegan-only menu
Exclusion of pirarucu, iconic local fish, seen as disrespect for culinary traditions
Chef commissioned to cook for Cop30 delegations, will serve pirarucu

Amazonian Chef Rejects Vegan Demand for Earthshot Prize Ceremony

In the lead-up to the 2025 Earthshot Prize ceremony, which is set to take place on November 5 in Rio de Janeiro, an acclaimed Amazonian chef named Saulo Jennings was reportedly outraged when the event organizers asked him to prepare an entirely vegan menu.

For Jennings, who serves as a UN gastronomy tourism ambassador, being told to exclude pirarucu - the region's iconic giant freshwater fish - was not merely a matter of preference, but a lack of respect for his culinary traditions. "It was like asking Iron Maiden to play jazz," he told the New York Times.

After some negotiation, Jennings agreed to design an Amazonian-inspired vegan menu using native ingredients. However, the deal ultimately collapsed, and another team was selected to cater the Earthshot awards ceremony.