Even if Samy Benabed studied biomedical analysis and philosophy, he realized that it was cooking that fed his curiosity.
He then worked hard on his skills, now becoming the Michelin Guide Quebec 2026 Young Chef Award winner.
“I learned by myself to be a chef,” he explained. “It was a long journey, but I think that makes the difference.”
For over three years, Benabed from Trois-Rivières has co-owned restaurant Auberge Saint-Mathieu. Located in Quebec’s Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, about 160 kilometers north of Montreal, it landed a Michelin star this year: “It’s funny to have a Moroccan in really in the middle of nowhere in Quebec doing cooking there,” said Benabed.
Benabed has been honored for all the recognition he’s been receiving.
“It’s kind of a surprise when you get that kind of mention, and it’s pretty much what every gastronomical restaurant tries to reach to get the Michelin star,” he said. “It’s like the highest recognition in world gastronomy.”
The food served at Auberge Saint-Mathieu. (Credit: Auberge Saint-Mathieu/ Instagram)
Benabed was also named chef of the year at the Lauriers de la gastronomie Québécoise.
As for the restaurant, it ranked 98th out of Canada’s 100 best restaurants list.
The chef explained that he gets his inspiration from his Moroccan roots.
“My parents that go back and forth to Morocco and they always bring back spices,” he explained. “Sometimes I use them to empower my, to give flavour powerness to my cooking.”
Samy Benabed in the back working in his restaurant. (Credit: Auberge Saint-Mathieu/ Instagram)
Auberge Saint-Mathieu also has a Green Star in the Michelin Guide.
Benabed thanks his team and family for helping him whip up the career he’s dreamed about.
“I’m really like grateful of my parents,” he said. “That paved the way.”
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