Chef Simeon Nikolov: From HRC Student to Michelin-Starred Head Chef

On November 19, we had the honor and pleasure of welcoming back one of our successful graduates – talented Chef Simeon Nikolov. He prepared a special masterclass for HRC students and an exquisite “Farm to Table” dinner at our training restaurant Talents.

Chef Nikolov has carved an impressive career path that spans continents, from Sofia to the UK, California, Denmark, and Chile, before settling in Switzerland, where he now leads the Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant Oz. With 16 Gault & Millau points and an innovative “Garden to Table” concept, Oz epitomizes sustainable and contemporary gastronomy.

Farm to Table Themed Dinner

During the dinner at Talents, Chef Nikolov curated a meticulously crafted menu, showcasing his expertise in elevating vegetarian cuisine to the realm of fine dining. Guests were treated to a gastronomic journey featuring dishes like parsnip with lavage and horseradish, barley with kale and truffle, and a groundbreaking carrot dessert. Chef Nikolov also partnered with Sezon to bring the “Farm to Table” concept to life in Bulgaria, using locally sourced produce.

The event was not only a feast for the senses but also a testament to the talent and vision of Chef Nikolov, whose dedication to sustainability and innovation continues to inspire the culinary world.

Masterclass on Vegetarian Cuisine

Earlier in the day, Chef Nikolov conducted a masterclass for our first- and third-semester students in the HRC demo theatre. The session delved into the transformative potential of vegetarian cuisine, with the carrot as the centerpiece. Demonstrating how this versatile vegetable could star in four distinct courses, Chef Nikolov showcased the breadth of creative possibilities in plant-based cooking.

He also shared invaluable insights from his career journey, including his time as a student at HRC Culinary Academy, his internships abroad, and his two-time participation in the Bocuse d’Or culinary competition, representing both Bulgaria and Denmark. Chef Nikolov emphasized the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning, recounting his experience with the Uccelin Foundation Scholarship, which involved eight enriching internships. It is this program that led him to his current position as head chef of Oz which was awarded one Michelin star this year. Chef Nikolov shares more about that experience:

It’s a great feeling, but you also have all the expectations and pressure of it. It’s also really important how you look at it, at all these Michelin stars and awards. There’s something great, something to inspire you, to keep you motivated. There’s things that should be more important and first of all for me is the guest experience.

This event underscores HRC Culinary Academy’s commitment to providing transformative experiences for our students and celebrating the successes of our alumni. Chef Simeon Nikolov’s return to HRC is a source of immense pride, demonstrating the global impact of our graduates in shaping the future of gastronomy.

If you want to become a successful chef, take the first step by applying for one of our programs!