A historic moment for Romanian gastronomy. Five teams compete in the National Selection for Bocuse d’Or Europe 2026
For the first time in history, Romania joins the global Bocuse d’Or circuit, the symbol of international culinary excellence. Five teams of professional chefs will compete on November 27, 2025, in the Bocuse d’Or Romania National…
For the first time in history, Romania joins the global Bocuse d’Or circuit, the symbol of international culinary excellence. Five teams of professional chefs will compete on November 27, 2025, in the Bocuse d’Or Romania National Selection, the competition that will determine the single team representing our country at Bocuse d’Or Europe 2026, in Marseille.
The finalists are Romanian chefs with impressive track records in international competitions. Through their unique styles and professional journeys, each represents a generation of culinary professionals bringing Romanian gastronomy closer to excellence in the culinary arts.
What defines “the perfect team” at Bocuse d’Or
Each team consists of a Chef, a professional Romanian cook with proven experience in culinary competitions, responsible for concept and execution; a Commis, a young chef born after January 24, 2004, representing the new generation; and a Coach, a professional responsible for strategic coordination and communication with the jury, without direct involvement in cooking. All three roles are mandatory and remain unchanged throughout the competition, from the national stage to the European and World Finals.
"The teams selected for Romania’s national Bocuse d’Or selection come from kitchens across the country and from top international restaurants. They embody discipline, teamwork, and respect for taste. This first Bocuse edition represents a generation that has grown through competitions, hard work, and pride in taking Romanian gastronomy where it truly belongs" – says Chef Cezar Munteanu, President of ANBCT and official organizer of the event.
Bocuse d’Or Romania 2025 Finalist Teams:
- Chef Vasilică-Marinică Bejenaru
- Coach Liviu Preda
- Commis Andrei Fabian Lupoi
Chef Vasilică Bejenaru, silver and bronze medalist at the IKA Culinary Olympics 2024, winner of Arena Bucătarilor and laureate at GastroPan, is guided by Coach Liviu Preda, with over 30 years of experience and multiple international distinctions, including medals at the World Gastronomy Salon and Global Chef Challenge. Their Commis, Lupoi Fabian Andrei, student at Maria Baiulescu Technological High School in Brașov and kitchen assistant at Restaurant Belvedere, brings the enthusiasm and discipline of the new culinary generation.
- Chef Bogdan Cozma
- Coach Dadiana Munteanu
- Commis Andrei Nicolae Miron
Chef Bogdan Cozma’s team brings together the experience and innovation of two culinary generations. Chef Cozma is a medalist at the IKA Culinary Olympics (3rd place), Villeroy & Boch World Cup (3rd place), and coach of the Romanian Junior National Team, double bronze medalist worldwide. The team is coordinated by Coach Dadiana Munteanu, double bronze medalist at IKA 2024 and silver at Global Young Chefs Challenge 2023. Their Commis, Andrei Nicolae Miron, Head Chef at D.A.R Events Restaurant & Barn (Botoșani), has over five years of experience and international distinctions: gold at the Croatian Culinary Cup 2025, silver at Rimini Vegan Chef 2025, and bronze at IKA Culinary Olympics 2024 (junior team).
