Call for Participation: International Culinary Competition within the Culinary Trail Project

HRC Culinary Academy invites chefs, culinary professionals, sommeliers, students, and gastronomy enthusiasts to take part in an international culinary competition organised within the project Culinary Trail of the Ethnic and Local Cuisine in the Danube Region.

👉 Learn more about the project here.

This international initiative celebrates creativity, sustainability, and the diverse culinary heritage of the Danube Region, encouraging participants to present innovative concepts that combine tradition, storytelling, and contemporary gastronomic thinking.

The competition offers a unique opportunity for professionals and emerging talents to present their ideas on an international stage and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable gastronomy in the region.

Why participate?

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Present their concept to an international expert jury
• Gain international visibility and professional recognition
• Contribute to preserving and reinterpreting culinary heritage
• Become part of the growing Culinary Trail international network
• Connect with chefs, sommeliers, tourism and cultural professionals across the Danube Region
• See their winning concept integrated into professional training programmes
• Be officially announced as a winner at the Culinary Trail Festival in Novo Mesto, Slovenia (May 2026)

The competition places strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and cultural storytelling, offering participants the chance to position themselves as contributors to the evolving identity of Danube gastronomy.

Competition Categories

Participants can apply in one of the following categories:

• Frugal Gastronomes- Develop a creative, zero-waste and cost-efficient dish concept suitable for professional kitchens, demonstrating sustainable culinary thinking and smart ingredient use.
• Ethnic Gastronomes – Create a model wine list concept highlighting regional wines and cultural storytelling, building strong connections between gastronomy, wine culture, and local heritage.

Who can apply?

The competition is open to individuals, teams, and organisations.

Applications are particularly encouraged from:

• Young professionals and culinary students
• Chefs and sommeliers
• Tourism and hospitality professionals
• Older adults and lifelong learners
• Persons with disabilities
• Participants from rural or disadvantaged areas of the Danube Region

The initiative aims to foster inclusive participation and cross-border collaboration within the gastronomic community.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online. Participants simply need to select a category and submit their concept proposal according to the official guidelines.

For detailed rules and application information, visit the official Culinary Trail webpage:

👉 Culinary Trail

We look forward to discovering new ideas, inspiring culinary concepts, and passionate professionals who wish to contribute to the future of sustainable gastronomy in the Danube Region.