How a Winning French Bakery Made the No. 1 Baguette in Paris - The Experts

Baker Tharshan Selvarajah has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to win the prestigious competition for best baguette in Paris. Since his victory, his bakery now produces 1,000 baguettes every day, supplying esteemed restaurants and clients - including the presidential palace. Each loaf involves a careful baking process, from selecting the finest flour to perfecting the kneading technique and the final bake. The result is a perfectly crunchy, traditional French baguette.
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Credits:
Producer: Gabriella Lewis
Field Producers/Directors: Anna Muckerman, Mohamed Ahmed
Camera: Anna Muckerman, Mohamed Ahmed
Editors: Anna Muckerman, Mohamed Ahmed
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Director of Production: Stefania Orrù
Supervising Producer, Development: Gabriella Lewis
Post-Production Supervisor: Lucy Morales Carlisle
Audience Engagement: Frances Dumlao
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[@l7le]

Praise for Chef Thierry! Charitable enough to give an immigrant a chance, kind enough to teach him a skill, and humble enough to be happy for his pupil surpassing him. Many people cannot open themselves to one of these, let alone all three.

[@blackmamba9950]

Absolutely agree!!

[@grbadalamenti]

He passed on the tradition. I like him

[@palanivisu1344]

Very true hats of to that gentleman and great French man. I could see tears in guy when he introduced Thierry in the camera

[@kseth6992]

Truly

[@YouCanCallMeReTro]

Thats a real mentor right there

[@ce1834]

To see Tamils who often fled war in Sri Lanka to build a great life and career in France is very wholesome and heartening to see. Hope to try his baked goods sometime for sure! Well done Tharshan Selvarajah!! 👏👏🇫🇷

[@The_Black_Caps]

Frrr as an Indian tamil I am happy for them :)

[@ChaosKingable]

I am confused - people from Sri Lanka are called Tamils ? I thought they were Sri Lankans ?

[@bruler7264]

@@ChaosKingablein Sri Lanka there’s a large Tamil population. They’ve gone through a lot because of the Sinhalese attempts to kill them, so the Sri Lankan Tamil’s seeked refuge in France. I’ve simplified it immensely, there’s much more.

[@wanderingsoul7538]

​@@ChaosKingable They're just misconceptions. There are tamil speakers in Singapore and Malaysia as well. But no one call them Indians.

[@sgerardpandian]

@@ChaosKingable Tamil speaking people are called Tamils. We are in many countries. But as the above poster said, major population is in india and sri lanka. and during the war and genocide lot of tamils fled to seek asylum in many countries..

[@qwertyboo]

France may have given him the opportunity but it's his dedication and hard work that got him to where he is. Salute! Such a nice immigrant story. Props to his mentor as well.

[@BeachSamuraiStudios]

Expat

[@Henry-ve3ye]

then? ​@@BeachSamuraiStudios

[@alexg9727]

@@Henry-ve3ye Giving jobs away to immigrants while French people are unemployed is a crime in itself

[@alexg9727]

@@Henry-ve3ye In Canada 16-30 years olds about 30% are unemployed because of the Indian immigrants who take the jobs for minimum wage. Suppressing wages in ALL industry not just bread making.

[@skbluee]

​@@alexg9727 do one thing. Go to India and take their jobs.

[@ramnarayap]

To do a full interview in French for someone not born in France is just amazing!!!

[@LLJMproductions]

this guy has been living in france for years. ive never lived in an english speaking country or in spain and i could do an interview in both languages. dont get me wrong! good for him but i would consider it perfectly normal

[@hikmahuddinhasbullah3928]

I never went to any western countries or even any non asian countries but I can speak english maybe with a little accent isnt that impressive??😂😂

[@TheMaitrecube]

​@@LLJMproductions man, french is way harder to learn than english or spanish

[@fieryfirevivin]

French isn't easy to learn as English Even doctors can't speak basic languages like English in France. It's a shame really​@@LLJMproductions

[@siroshcelot]

@@LLJMproductions”im not mad but i could do better” ahhhh

[@nathanjohnston8925]

The way he stops and savours the taste and crunch of his own baguette... something he has access to pretty much everyday and I'm sure he has tried plenty of before shows the love he has for his craft.

[@Ground_Dee]

This is antisemitic

[@rowenakumar5761]

⁠@@Ground_Deeur mums antisemetic

[@Ground_Dee]

@@rowenakumar5761 your whole existence is antisemitic moron.

[@debodatta7398]

See Sri Lankan Tamils adopt and excel at other cultures when they migrate, this man came to France a refugee, gave them respect and worked hard until his baguette was so good it was rated best in Paris and now it is the Baguette supplied to the the French Presidential palace.

[@nolanmartin6601]

His mentor looks like such a nice person. I love when people are willing to teach

[@byebeybyebey]

He looks so proud of him :)

[@andym3278]

Oh man, as a french guy, yeah... those baguettes look really nice.

[@MeowjinBoo]

as a greek guy, yeah... those baguettes look really nice.

[@vincentnguyen3068]

As a viet guy, yeah... those baguettes look really nice

[@DCrypt1]

As a fungi, yeah... those baguettes look really nice.

[@owais.pillai]

Yeah bro! The guy who won the award for the Best Baguette in Paris totally needs validation from a random French dude. You really must've made his day!

[@jorb1903]

As High Quality Industrial Grade Glycine From Donghua Jinlong, yeah… those baguettes look really nice.

[@pittsburghpatrika1534]

The French teacher was very generous in accepting a Lankan Tamil and they both ended up getting the best baguette award in Paris!!

[@debodatta7398]

See Sri Lankan Tamils adopt and excel at other cultures when they migrate, this man came to France a refugee, gave them respect and worked hard until his baguette was so good it was rated best in Paris and now it is the Baguette supplied to the the French Presidential palace.

[@Starlite5753]

Witnessing a Tamil SriLankan Immigrant moving past the hardships and perfecting his craft is amazing. Very well done Anna! Love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@squidge903]

Absolutely! Cultures crossing and interacting is such a cool thing about our world. It's normal and good. Good on this guy.

[@ruxxy_j5667]

Why do you need to mention the "Tamil" part? Isn't just Sri Lankan enough?

[@getoutro]

@@ruxxy_j5667no, Tamil is a distinct ethnic group of its own, with its own set of customs and language. He’s geographically from Sri Lanka, but his ethnicity is Tamil.

[@ruxxy_j5667]

@@getoutro So when you mention any person from any county of the world you must specifically highlight his ethnic group like white people of america or latino brazillian?

[@getoutro]

@@ruxxy_j5667it’s complicated. Tamils were being persecuted in their home country of Sri Lanka, it’s why many Tamils, like Tharshan, left the country in the first place during the civil war.

[@dinindujayasekara4738]

I love how he has not forgotten how he started out and gives the due recognition to his teacher. Wishing you all the very best. Love from 🇱🇰

[@anton_398]

Tamil Eelam dude

[@caiussl3249]

​@@anton_398 so what? He's Sri lankan. He'd made 🇱🇰 proud :-)

[@MiyuruRasoj]

​@@anton_398Oh the peelam. The official imaginary state for terrorism.

[@Raja-ps5ep]

@@caiussl3249 preach this lesson to your blood thirsting Buddhist monks on how to treat humans, this is July.. black July

[@Raja-ps5ep]

@@MiyuruRasoj ooh China leg licking Sinhalese regim aah 🤣😆👌

[@ArielK1987]

That incredible crunch you hear and taste when eating a baguette. Is absolutely amazing.

[@uriahthekey8647]

Regardless of his background, he embraced the culture and the people love him back.

[@anurag123B]

Unlike those skull cap wearing guys who want to spread hate and disturb the peace of others

[@ruok3351]

This the kind of immigrants that are always welcome. Kind, smart, ambitious, hardworking, willing to change and embraced the culture. He should have no shame to call himself a Frenchman

[@rbu2136]

And had his old boss on the show. A great sign of respect. Made me respect this man all the more. Well done.

[@Yusuave]

​@@anurag123Byou mean unlike the hindus who bathe in 🐄💩??

[@anurag123B]

@mayjailersirens it's not hate. It's a fact, u won't understand till they come and burn your house down just because u said something

[@krschulman]

Tharshan Selvarajah is a true artist. So glad to learn about him and his techniques. Loved this video!

[@eater]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheMaryWriter]

This was such a heartwarming video. Tharshan's joy making baguette's and the friendship between him and his mentor made me smile.

[@debodatta7398]

See Sri Lankan Tamils adopt and excel at other cultures when they migrate, this man came to France a refugee, gave them respect and worked hard until his baguette was so good it was rated best in Paris and now it is the Baguette supplied to the the French Presidential palace.

[@arjunbanerji241]

Kudos to both the diligent student and the proud mentor 👏🏽 👏🏽

[@sngs9565]

Amazing teacher and pupil. Chef Tharshan remembered his mentor and old boss, Chef Thierry. That itself says a lot about his character! Amazing man! Chef Tharshan fully deserved the honour for bringing glory to his bakery, team and his artwork. His hardwork and determination brought success. Chef Thierry on the other hand showed, he has heart of gold by teaching craft and willing to step back so that his pupil enjoys his moment. Not many mentors enjoys when their pupil exceeds them. Great Teacher, Great Pupil....Nice...🙏😃

[@debodatta7398]

See Sri Lankan Tamils adopt and excel at other cultures when they migrate, this man came to France a refugee, gave them respect and worked hard until his baguette was so good it was rated best in Paris and now it is the Baguette supplied to the the French Presidential palace.

[@MrBlereau]

As a french with indian roots, this video make me really proud of all people coming to work hard in France to offer a better to their family. This show us how culture is a very porous concept. Culture is not something fixed. The latest technologic revolution has just amplified the whole process.

[@MPlus5]

I made a video about this baguette last year and gosh those baguettes are fantastic. The crunch with the sheer deliciousness of the fluffy bread was very surprising to me. Totally worth the hype. I didn't get to meet the Baker but this video definitely did justice to his work.

[@aaronlopez492]

As a former QC bakery production manager, I only have one word for this superb Baker, Magnifico!!

[@nurjafri]

Good teachers are what all humans need right now. One good teacher and hard work from a student is the key to success. Amazing work.

[@Dexterity_Jones]

Imagine winning the best baguette in Paris. My word that has to be a phenomenal baguette. Well done mate.

[@misst.e.a.187]

Especially for the exceptionally discerning French

[@user-to9td5xl4h]

மேன்மேலும் பல சாதனைகள் புரிந்திடுங்கள் தர்ஷன், வாழ்த்துகள்!!

[@FishareFriendsNotFood972]

Congrats to this extremely talented and hard working baker!

[@debodatta7398]

See Sri Lankan Tamils adopt and excel at other cultures when they migrate, this man came to France a refugee, gave them respect and worked hard until his baguette was so good it was rated best in Paris and now it is the Baguette supplied to the the French Presidential palace.

[@MatijaGrcic]

His bakery is Au Levain des Pyrénées in the 20th arrondissement neighbourhood.

[@grbadalamenti]

Merci!

[@waitinblackout]

This guy gets my immense recognition for his dedication and (apparently) great results in top-quality Tradition baguette crafting. However, sad to see that he uses industrial yeasts and not "levain naturel", as his "Au levain des Pyrénées" would infer...

[@googboog]

He is no longer at that bakery he's started his own

[@rsvp05]

@@googboogwhat's the new bakery

[@debodatta7398]

See Sri Lankan Tamils adopt and excel at other cultures when they migrate, this man came to France a refugee, gave them respect and worked hard until his baguette was so good it was rated best in Paris and now it is the Baguette supplied to the the French Presidential palace.

[@imianco8079]

the best part was when the teacher came out and their rapport! goes to show when good people work together and support each other great things are accomplished

[@shaifulothman7442]

Imagine he grew up eating apom, thosai, idyapam for bfast... and now a baguette master

[@yasinsharb9453]

Respect for learning something he never done before and even after he became the third in the contest continued to chase the top spot.This guy was born a winner hence why he achieved his dreams.

[@KentPaul]

This guy's attention to detail is impeccable. He deserves all accolades for his hard work and commitment to making the best product.

[@Astrohhh]

The immigrant's dream right there. That's how you make the best of your situation.. what a stud.

[@Jugement]

If only 60% of them weren't unemployed. I wish more of them were like this guy. I wish

[@cassiuscyparissus5567]

it's crazy how you can live in france for years and become successful all without ever conjugating a single verb.

[@skatingcanuck9837]

Sri Lankans work around the world in kitchens. Sri Lanka has a rich heritage of culinary and hospitality schools that educate them in multiple cuisines. I respect this chef's dedication to his craft. When I was in the restaurant industry I worked with many hard working Sri Lankan chefs. No surprise out of hundreds of restaurants in my city my favourite burger is made by one with a Sri Lankan chef.

[@naturemeditation3751]

sri lankan chefs are creating waves in japan too 👍

[@AC-gu9ks]

‘Sri Lankan tamils’

[@rhk199]

​@@AC-gu9ks​ Yup, These Indo-Aryans get jealous and violent when a Dravidian has good life but have no shame in claiming you as one of your own to take credit for your hardwork without working for it

[@vees9013]

Eelam Tamil*

[@ShanKaru98]

@@AC-gu9ksso what you’re implying is that only Sri Lankan Tamils can be chefs? lmao

[@fieryfirevivin]

Surpassing language, culture and tradition to win best baguette in france. Truly legendary feet indeed. Mad respect for this lad

[@paulpivaral4832]

Great video and congrats to Tharshan for his hard work and embracing the French culture

[@clemayk]

It’s so heartwarming to see the master and his apprentice and the apprentice became a great master himself and appreciating his teacher.

[@UndergroundHouseAndTechno]

One of the most heart-warming and intensely appetizing videos I've seen for quite a while! I need to taste this bread!

[@SunilFrancisGeorge]

Tharshan Selvarajah's story is truly inspiring, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and a sprinkle of magic (or should we say, "magique"?) can take you to the top of the baking world. It's fascinating to think about the journey of a single loaf of bread, from being crafted with love and precision in a humble bakery to landing on the plates of Paris' most discerning palates.

[@aaronbuckwalter96]

Eater...thank you for always letting the experts speak. Excellent peice.

[@bookerdaniels1401]

Another in a series of brilliant, insightful, unpretentious, and unique views into the foods we love - and the people who expertly make them. Bravo, Eater.

[@JonathanXLindqviust]

My father is Tunisian, so I speak French and know a lot of their culture. I love that in the last decade more than half the winners of the best baguette has been immigrants, including a Tunisian. C'est choutte.

[@hisanzee3052]

Videos like these make me realise that, beyond a few lines on the map, we are all humans who can teach, share and learn from one another and just belong.

[@asingh9540]

Humility is the key here and you can see it in both the pupil and teacher. A lovely inspiring story! Ohh and I think I fancy a baguette for lunch today 😊.

[@benjaminm8587]

We are proud to have you among us and represent our traditions. Well done and all the best for you and your family! Love from France. You are an example of what France wants for immigrations.

[@wks99]

Encore bravo pour votre accomplissement et succès Mr. Tharshan Selvarajah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DarwinsBeerReviews]

People truly underrate what Paris has with the quality of baked products. I was traveling in my 20s and we would come back to our hostel at 4AM and walked by as the boulagerie was working dough in Montmartre.

[@RainbowCuga]

It's not paris exclusive, it's this way in the whole country

[@boredguy1663]

@@RainbowCuga They do it this way in the whole world probably, They all prepare their baking products in the morning to keep them fresh.

[@eLiNDIOTX]

Imagine 20 years back him telling people in Sri Lanka he’s going to go to France and win best baguette in Paris and they all laughed at his wild dream lol

[@calmmymind3670]

He is my school mate in Sri Lanka and so proud of him for his achievements

[@AC-gu9ks]

He is a Tamil they are an industrious and a smart people who adapt well.

[@DeadGlassEyes]

Seems like a great wholesome dude, congrats to him. That bread looks amazing.

[@nikhilharidas87]

It does speak volumes about French culture....when a Sri Lankan can win the best baguette.....I am really impressed.

[@SilverforceX]

Fresh hot crunchy airy bread & full cream butter.. hard to beat!

[@japanluv]

Sri Lankan chefs are very good, as well. Props to this baker🤗

[@looooool3145]

That traditional baguette looks so delicious and perfect compared to any baguette I've seen before.

[@user-sq7ne6ym3j]

This guy deserves a huge respect for sure he went through a lot of hardship to reach this position.

[@hmmpppsaywhat7878]

This clip captures everything beautiful about the world.

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Wonderful! I wish we would have more bakers like him here in Switzerland. I haven't seen a fine baguette like this in years.

[@julietphillips1991]

Excellent! Much to be proud of here! I would love to taste this prize-winning baguette!

[@gilardes]

Dammit. Shouldn't have watched this at midnight right before going to bed. Now I am desperately craving a freshly baked baguette.

[@phaikia13]

Dude is an anime protagonist. Born in a foreign country, dreams of making the best baguette in Paris and makes it come true with sheer grit.

[@Alinaskywriter]

It is an amazing story! Sweet and lovely. Only best wishes to this man! 😊

[@hunter4230]

He knows that you know good bread by the sound AND it’s unclear whether he’s seen Ratatouille. True legend.

[@T0mmyTune]

Bravo Tharshan! Bon travail!!

[@Aquarian55]

His Mentor seems so lovely. French people are so kind. Ive been there. Congratulations to this immigrant for hus achievements!

[@andersfant4997]

On point. This is 💯 how they should look, the texture is perfect.

[@disarchitected]

7:10 he couldn’t be prouder of his protege and the bread!

[@bodhisattva6308]

The only person they say who would like you to be better than them is either a father or a teacher. What an amazing teacher he had

[@EAFSQ9]

I look at this and I'm like, now this is how you do soft power shows how a refugee from Sri Lanka, made it, and now is a purveyor of bread to the President of the Republic for 12 months

[@volgg]

What an artist! bravo!

[@ADDICTED_HYDRA_SPAMMER]

BRAVO RE MAGAA!!!! well deserve succes from hard work ! he also keeps 22 families and hes own with hes bussineses impressive !! only the best

[@fabiss23]

What a success story! Congratulations Mr. Tharshan Selvarajah, you brought honor to your family and people!

[@marin4311]

Tamil people are very good at cooking. You can see them working hard in every type of restaurants, always with a big smile on their face. Brave people.

[@aliali-ce3yf]

Good for him. Everyone comes from somewhere, props to those who work hard and make their lives better. Ignore all the bitter mediocre losers who try to bring it down with their small minded comments.

[@1964_AMU]

Made with heart, won with smile !!

[@charliec2627]

Number 2! :) I have been to Paris 3 different times, and have tried baguette in multiple patisseries/boulangerries, hopefully on my next trip, I can try what a baguette from the number 1 Baguette tastes like, and the difference.

[@rsvp05]

i personally not a fan of baguette but looking at this video made me thinking i should give baguette another chance 😅

[@JM-ig8mf]

What a wonderful story. I LOVE French baguette.

[@noobitokenshin7909]

Very nice of him to acknowledge his boss

[@AC-gu9ks]

It’s within Tamil culture you do good by them they will treat you like family.

[@r.h.8867]

This is like a fairytale story. So inspiring. Would definitely make for a wonderful children’s book.

[@janaling7405]

A motivational story for fellow Tamils. Well done! Congratulations and all the Best!

[@icerag]

What an inspirational immigrant story. Props to his boss who taught him and has a great relationship with him.

[@homemadetrips8297]

Hard working never fails anyone

[@musique1o1]

Crying in having to buy my baguettes in the South where people like their bread like hot dog buns

[@jerseygirlinatl7701]

Try to be a New Yorker or from New Jersey trying to find an authentic bagel in the South. It's like wonder bread with a hole in it.

[@Bananeisafree]

ça c'est la malédiction de la chocolatine ... Je vois que ça !

[@ericmarseille2]

I've left my poor and dreadful Parisian banlieue for the sun of Provence, but man, do I miss the Parisian baguette! Here, people want it white. White! White! because they're so lazy they just buy them for the week, freeze them, and reheat them as the week goes...Poor souls. And poor me, who never finds a good Parisian baguette!

[@GeneralKenobi69420]

I like how the comment replies both assume you meant South (of France) and (American) South

[@mobius1tube]

So inspiring! Congratulations on your journey Tharshan!

[@vazyla92]

As a parisian, this is EXACTLY how I want my tradition bien cuite. Too bad the boulangerie is at the other side of the city :(

[@RaphaelAguirre]

Those baguette look so effing amazing!

[@pschreiber71]

Oh man! Those baguettes coming out of the oven! I could smell them! If only I could taste them! Well done to this amazing baker and his team.

[@chirimoya4067]

A master of his craft.😋

[@SA-ol3xi]

Amazing to see a Tamil man being appreciated in France for his talent and hard work, after escaping the genocide in Sri Lanka. Congratulations Tharshan!

[@phichau90]

the flour temp was very interesting. will defo take a note of that. different flour temp will affect the process of bread making.

[@nerffej]

Basically you have to account for it to make sure you have your dough at the optimal temp for fermentation . If it’s too high or too low it will throw off your fermentation time when they’re doing the bulk ferment overnight.

[@wewenang5167]

the type of yeast and temperature really important in baking bread...it can ruined everything with just s light different.

[@EggKoffee]

7:32 perfect

[@SenorSol]

Amazing guy! And congratulations to him and his team for their excellence!

[@tee_swag]

Best looking baguette I've seen.

[@Killthebatsman]

Proud of this fellow Sri Lankan!

[@mrsanchaz2003]

So proud of you bro ! I can only imagine how tough it would have been for you in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

[@omellemmor4732]

Sri Lankan man indeed has the great success story, given the opportunity and chance one can strive in life

[@vutsxx]

This is true assimilation... This guy is what all migrants should be like... Praising the local culture, learning their ways and so on

[@user-il3sx5uo6t]

we are happy and proud of you brother. Especially as a singhalese and a fellow Sri Lankan. Much love.💌

[@sarangawalimuni4955]

Stop using the race seriously grow up

[@Sigma3095]

But he is a tamil

[@sarangawalimuni4955]

@@Sigma3095 I think outsiders perhaps don't need to know that The issue is we or US devide people perhaps not intentional but that's detrimental

[@madhuekanayake475]

You are an inspiration. Thank you for this.

[@kapilsharmaWorld_uncensored]

The crunch sound is music to the Ear. Wow

[@vana4054]

Bravo Tharshan Selvarajah!

[@paulthomas281]

This man is an inspiration. He is living proof that by finding something in life that you can be really good at, by perfecting what you do, and by integrating into the society, you will be successful. You don't have to educated. You need to have the right attitude day after day.

[@baeb66]

Now I want a Bahn Mi.