Croatian Chefs Strike Gold in Belgrade, Secure Two Places at World Finals

Croatian chefs have achieved a historic result at the Global Chefs Challenge semi-finals in Belgrade, winning two gold medals and one silver and securing two places at the world finals in Shanghai next March.

The Croatian Culinary Federation announced the achievement on October 20, World Chefs Day, following the competition held in Belgrade from October 10 to 12.

In the senior category, Amos Novak and his assistant, Mladen Zorec, from Restaurant Terbotz in Međimurje, won gold and took first place overall in the Southern European region. Their victory earned them a direct place in the world finals.

Croatia also secured gold in the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge. Patrik Prnjak and Eldin Tubić, representing Restaurant Monsapori at Hotel Monumenti in Pula, won the category and qualified for the finals in Shanghai.

In the Global Young Chefs Challenge, which is open to chefs aged 25 and under, Marko Hudin and his assistant, Claudio Mastrovincenzo, claimed silver and finished third overall.

According to the Croatian Culinary Federation, this marks the first time Croatian chefs have qualified for the Global Chefs Challenge world finals. The competition is widely regarded in the culinary world as the equivalent of football's Champions League.

Federation president Erich Glavica, who recently became an honorary lifetime member of Worldchefs, the World Association of Chefs' Societies, described the results as a historic achievement for Croatia's culinary profession and a significant boost for tourism and the wider economy.

The Croatian Culinary Federation is a non-profit organisation that brings together culinary professionals and supports professional development, knowledge-sharing and young talent.

With long-term support from the Croatian National Tourist Board, participation in international competitions gives Croatian chefs an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity while promoting Croatian gastronomy around the world.

The world finals are scheduled to take place in Shanghai in late March 2027.