• For the first time in history, Romania will take part in Bocuse d'Or Europe 2026, one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in the world, which will take place in March in Marseille.
The official announcement from the organizers confirms the selection of our country among the 20 nations that will demonstrate their gastronomic mastery, with the chance to qualify for the Grand Final in Lyon, scheduled for January 2027.
The national selection to represent Romania will be organized by the National Association of Chefs and Confectioners in Tourism (ANBCT) on November 27, 2025, in Brașov. Chefs interested in participating can register via official platform, and the finalists will be announced on October 27, 2025.
"It is a historic moment for Romanian gastronomy. It took time, many discussions and proof that Romania can respect the rigorous criteria imposed by Bocuse d'Or - from organization and transparency, to professional coherence and long-term vision. Bocuse d'Or is the ultimate stage of world culinary art, and the fact that Romania will be there means recognition, trust and respect for all those who believed in this path and in our collective work", declares Chef Cezar Munteanu, the president ANBCT.
Theme of the edition: tradition and innovation in harmony
The 2026 edition of the competition proposes the theme "Tradition reinterpreted", challenging competitors to create dishes that combine Romanian culinary heritage with modern techniques. The mandatory ingredients – sturgeon, champignon and Jerusalem artichoke – will be the starting point to highlight the richness of local ingredients, sustainability and environmental responsibility. The dishes will be evaluated by an international jury with Bocuse d'Or experience, who will analyze taste, aesthetics, creativity, technique and efficient use of resources.
Bocuse d'Or: global culinary excellence
Created in 1987 by renowned chef Paul Bocuse, the Bocuse d'Or competition is considered a true "World Chefs Championship". The biennial event, hosted in Lyon as part of the SIRHA international fair, brings together elite teams consisting of a chef, assistant, coach and a jury member. The competition emphasizes creativity, technical precision and the pride of representing each country's culinary identity. Over the years, over 70 nations have participated, but only 52 chefs have won the ultimate trophy.
The 2026 European edition, hosted by Marseille as part of Sirha Méditerranée, will transform the city into an epicenter of world gastronomy. Romania's participation marks a turning point for the local culinary scene, reflecting the progress made in recent years and the ability of Romanian chefs to compete internationally.
ANBCT, pillar of Romanian gastronomy
Under the leadership of Chef Cezar Munteanu, ANBCT, the oldest professional organization of chefs and confectioners in Romania, has significantly contributed to the promotion of Romanian gastronomy. The results obtained in international competitions such as the IKA Culinary Olympics 2024, Global Chefs Challenge 2024, Worldchefs European Grand Prix Rimini 2025 and Croatian Culinary Cup 2025 demonstrate the association's commitment to excellence.
Participation in Bocuse d'Or Europe 2026 represents not only an opportunity to put Romania on the world gastronomy map, but also an invitation for Romanian chefs to celebrate the country's culinary diversity, highlighting local ingredients and traditions reinterpreted with a contemporary vision.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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